cis–trans Isomerization of the Azobenzenes Included as Guests in Langmuir–Blodgett Films of Amphiphilic β-Cyclodextrin

Abstract

Abstract Azobenzenes in the host–guest Langmuir–Blodgett films prepared with amphiphilic β-cyclodextrin and azobenzene derivatives showed a photochromic behavior with complete reversibility owing to the free volume of cyclodextrin cavity, whereas the trans-to-cis isomerization was restricted in the case of the pure LB film prepared with long-chain azobenzene derivative alone. Thermal cis-to-trans isomerizations in the LB films were also studied.