A Novel Tris(azo)macrobicyclic Molecule—Synthesis, Photochemistry, and Isomer Separation

Abstract

The novel, easily accessible macrobicyclic compound 1 is of special interest as an optically switchable host substance whose cavity can be altered by irradiation with light. In 1, three azobenzene moieties are coupled in a symmetrical arrangement. After irradiation all four conceivable (E/Z)-isomers can be separated chromatographically and characterized UV spectroscopically.