1+1≥2? Norbornadiene‐Azobenzene Molecules as Multistate Photoswitches

Abstract

Abstract By combination of two photochromic molecules as multistate photoswitches new properties regarding to molecular solar thermal (MOST) energy storage systems and information storage capacity of smart materials are expected. By fusing the azobenzene with the norbornadiene system, new multinary photoswitches were designed. A successful synthesis towards different analogues was developed via Suzuki coupling reaction as key step. The isomerization behaviour of these norbornadiene‐azobenzene fusions was studied by UV‐Vis and 1 H NMR spectroscopy in different solvents investigating the electronic communication within these multinary‐photochromic systems.