Probing Highly Efficient Photoisomerization of a Bridged Azobenzene by a Combination of CASPT2//CASSCF Calculation with Semiclassical Dynamics Simulation

Deciphering the shape selective conformational equilibrium of E- and Z-locked azobenzene-tetraethylammonium ion in regulating photo-switchable K+-ion channel blocking

The search for photo-switchable optopharmacological agents that can block ion channels has been a prevalent area owing to its prime advantages of reversibility and specificity over the traditional blockers. However, the quest for a higher blocking ability shown by a less stable photo-isomer to perfectly suit the requirement of the optopharmacological agents is still ongoing. To date, only a marginal improvement in terms of blocking ability is observed by the less stable E-isomer of para-substituted locked azobenzene with TEA (LAB-TEA) for the K+-ion channel. Thus, rationalization of the limitation for achieving high activity by the E-isomer is rather essential to aid the improvement of the efficiency of photoswitchable blocker drugs. Herein, we report a molecular-level analysis on the mechanism of blocking by E- and Z-LAB-TEA with the bacterial KcsA K+-ion channel using Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation and Quantum Mechanical (QM) calculations. The positively charged TEA fragment engages in stronger electrostatic interactions, while the neutral LAB fragment engages in weaker dispersive interactions. The binding free energy calculated by Molecular Mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MMPBSA) for E-LAB-TEA (-22.3 kcal mol-1) shows less thermodynamic preference for binding with K+-ion channels than Z-LAB-TEA (-21.6 kcal mol-1) corroborating the experimental observation. The correlation between the structure and the binding ability of E- and Z-isomers of LAB-TEA indicates that the channel gate is narrow and acts as a bottleneck for the entry of the binder molecule inside the large cavity. Upon irradiation, the Z-isomer converts into a less stable but long and planar E-isomer (ΔE of photoisomerism = 7.0 kcal mol-1, at SA2-CASPT2(6,4)/6-31+G(d)//CASSCF(6,4)/6-31+G(d)), which is structurally more suitable to fit into the narrow channel gate rather than the curved and non-planar Z-LAB-TEA. Thus, a reduction in the ionic current is observed owing to the preferential entry and subsequent blocking by E-LAB-TEA. Discontinuing the irradiation leads to conversion to the Z-isomer, the curved nature of which hinders its spontaneous release outside the cavity, thereby contributing only a small increase in the ionic current.

Triplet sensitization enables bidirectional isomerization of diazocine with 130 nm redshift in excitation wavelengths

Diazocines are bridged azobenzenes with phenyl rings connected by a CH2-CH2 group. Despite this rather small structural difference, diazocine exhibits improved properties over azobenzene as a photoswitch and most importantly, its Z configuration is more stable than the E isomer. Herein, we reveal yet another unique feature of this emerging class of photoswitches. In striking contrast to azobenzenes and other photochromes, diazocine can be selectively switched in E → Z direction and most intriguingly from its thermodynamically stable Z to metastable E isomer upon successive excitation of two different triplet sensitizers present in solution at the same time. This approach leads to extraordinary large redshift of excitation wavelengths to perform isomerization i.e. from 400 nm blue to 530 nm green light (Z → E) and from 530 nm green to 740 nm far-red one (E → Z), which falls in the near-infrared window in biological tissue. Therefore, this work opens up of potential avenues for utilizing diazocines for example in photopharmacology, smart materials, light energy harvesting/storage devices, and out-of-equilibrium systems.

First-in-Class Colchicine-Based Visible Light Photoswitchable Microtubule Dynamics Disrupting Agent

Compounds that disrupt microtubule dynamics, such as colchicine, paclitaxel, or Vinca alkaloids, have been broadly used in biological studies and have found application in clinical anticancer medications. However, their main disadvantage is the lack of specificity towards cancerous cells, leading to severe side effects. In this paper, we report the first synthesis of 12 new visible light photoswitchable colchicine-based microtubule inhibitors AzoCols. Among the obtained compounds, two photoswitches showed light-dependent cytotoxicity in cancerous cell lines (HCT116 and MCF-7). The most promising compound displayed a nearly twofold increase in potency. Moreover, dissimilar inhibition of purified tubulin polymerisation in cell-free assay and light-dependent disruption of microtubule organisation visualised by immunofluorescence imaging sheds light on the mechanism of action as microtubule photoswitchable destabilisers. The presented results provide a foundation towards the synthesis and development of a novel class of photoswitchable colchicine-based microtubule polymerisation inhibitors.

Dynamic effects of the bridged structure on the quantum yield of the cis → trans photoisomerization of azobenzene

A nonadiabatic molecular dynamics simulation was performed for the cis → trans photoisomerization of diindane diazocine to determine how its bridged structure results in the highest reported quantum yield for this isomerization. Similar to azobenzene, when diindane diazocine is excited to the S₁ state, it isomerizes to the trans form by a pedal motion of the -NN- moiety passing through the S₁/S₀ conical intersection. However, due to the faster intramolecular vibrational energy redistribution, the excited state lifetime of diindane diazocine is shorter. The bridged structure reduces the degrees of freedom, other than those that drive the isomerization. Therefore, the kinetic energy is selectively distributed to the specific normal mode for the pedal motion of the -NN- moiety, and it is efficiently utilized for the isomerization to the trans form, which is considered a major reason for the increased isomerization yield.

Triazonine-based bistable photoswitches: synthesis, characterization and photochromic properties

We disclose here dibenzotriazonines as a new class of nine-membered cyclic azobenzenes displaying a nitrogen function in the saturated ring chain. The specific features of these compounds are (i) a preferred E-configuration, (ii) high bi-directional photoswitching and (iii) good thermal stability of both E- and Z-forms.

Direct Quantification of Rapid and Efficient Single-Stroke Actuation by a Martensitic Transition in a Thermosalient Crystal

Molecular dynamic crystals conveniently combine flexibility required for mechanical reconfiguration, strength for effective translation of elastic energy, and long-range order of mechanically coupled molecules for rapid conversion of disordered motion (heat) or photons (light) into ordered motion (work). By direct measurement of the actuation force generated by crystals of a thermosalient solid, here we describe the first direct quantification of the work performed and energy conversion that can be accomplished by using dynamic crystals as supramolecular actuators. Upon reversible α-to-γ phase transition, crystals of (phenylazophenyl)palladium hexafluoroacetylacetonate of submillimeter to millimeter size exert forces in the range of 1-100 mN upon longitudinal and lateral expansion. This work translates to a volumetric power density of about 1-3 MW m^-3 and efficiency comparable to the existing multicomponent actuators.

Azobenzene-based solar thermal fuels: design, properties, and applications

Development of renewable energy technologies has been a significant area of research amongst scientists with the aim of attaining a sustainable world society. Solar thermal fuels that can capture, convert, store, and release solar energy in the form of heat through reversible photoisomerization of molecular photoswitches such as azobenzene derivatives are currently in the limelight of research. Herein, we provide a state-of-the-art account on the recent advancements in solar thermal fuels based on azobenzene photoswitches. We begin with an overview on the importance of azobenzene-based solar thermal fuels and their fundamentals. Then, we highlight the recent advances in diverse azobenzene materials for solar thermal fuels such as pure azobenzene derivatives, nanocarbon-templated azobenzene, and polymer-templated azobenzene. The basic design concepts of these advanced solar energy storage materials are discussed, and their promising applications are highlighted. We then introduce the recent endeavors in the molecular design of azobenzene derivatives toward efficient solar thermal fuels, and conclude with new perspectives on the future scope, opportunities and challenges. It is expected that continuous pioneering research involving scientists and engineers from diverse technological backgrounds could trigger the rapid advancement of this important interdisciplinary field, which embraces chemistry, physics, engineering, nanoscience, nanotechnology, materials science, polymer science, etc.

Strain, switching and fluorescence behavior of a nine-membered cyclic azobenzene

This work defines the smallest ring size for obtaining the trans form of cyclic azobenzene as the thermally stable form.

Combining the Advantages of Alkene and Azo E-Z Photoisomerizations: Mechanistic Insights into Ketoimine Photoswitches

We carried out CASPT2//(TD)DFT and CASPT2//CASSCF studies on the working mechanism of imine switches, including a camphorquinone-derived ketoimine (shortened as k-Imine) switch designed by Lehn as well as a model camphorquinone alkene-imine (a-Imine) proposed in this study. Under the experimental conditions (light irradiation with 455 and 365 nm for E and Z, respectively), k-Imine is excited to the S₁:(n_N,π*) state and then decays toward a perpendicular intermediate following the C═N bond rotation coordinate. During the bond rotation, a mild energy barrier caused by the strong interaction of S₁:(n_N,π*) and S₂:(n_O,π*) states will more or less slow down the rotation speed of k-Imine. The large difference in irradiation light wavelength supports k-Imine as a two-way photoswitch. The photoisomerization of a-Imine obeys a similar but fully barrierless pattern while requiring a higher excitation energy to reach the (n_N,π*) state. The good directionality of thermal isomerization toward E(a-Imine), plus the barrierless photoisomerization, allows for the design of a thermal and photo-operated switch. For both imines, a minimal-energy crossing point (MECI) located at the perpendicular region, with low relative energy and close to the rotary path, ensures the directionality of C═N bond rotation and confirms imines as optimal candidates for photoswitches and motors.

Photoisomerization of Arylazopyrazole Photoswitches: Stereospecific Excited-State Relaxation

Electronic structure calculations and nonadiabatic dynamics simulations (more than 2000 trajectories) are used to explore the Z-E photoisomerization mechanism and excited-state decay dynamics of two arylazopyrazole photoswitches. Two chiral S1 /S0 conical intersections with associated enantiomeric S1 relaxation paths that are barrierless and efficient (timescale of ca. 50 fs) were found. For the parent arylazopyrazole (Z8) both paths contribute evenly to the S1 excited-state decay, whereas for the dimethyl derivative (Z11) each of the two chiral cis minima decays almost exclusively through one specific enantiomeric S1 relaxation path. To our knowledge, the Z11 arylazopyrazole is thus the first example for nearly stereospecific unidirectional excited-state relaxation.

Advances in Quantum Mechanochemistry: Electronic Structure Methods and Force Analysis

In quantum mechanochemistry, quantum chemical methods are used to describe molecules under the influence of an external force. The calculation of geometries, energies, transition states, reaction rates, and spectroscopic properties of molecules on the force-modified potential energy surfaces is the key to gain an in-depth understanding of mechanochemical processes at the molecular level. In this review, we present recent advances in the field of quantum mechanochemistry and introduce the quantum chemical methods used to calculate the properties of molecules under an external force. We place special emphasis on quantum chemical force analysis tools, which can be used to identify the mechanochemically relevant degrees of freedom in a deformed molecule, and spotlight selected applications of quantum mechanochemical methods to point out their synergistic relationship with experiments.

Chiral conversion and periodical decay in bridged-azobenzene photoisomerization: an ab initio on-the-fly nonadiabatic dynamics simulation

On-the-fly trajectory surface hopping dynamics simulations on the cis ↔ trans photoisomerization mechanisms of bridged-azobenzene upon S₁ excitation at the CASSCF level.

Switching properties of Li-benzene complexes in a uniform electric field: a case where a "small" change makes a big difference

The effect of a homogeneous static electric field on the Li-benzene complex in two configurations, one with a larger Li-C6H6 distance ("loose") and one with a shorter distance ("tight"), has been investigated. The electric field has the same orientation as the direction of the dipole moments of the complexes. When the direction of the field intensity vector was the same as that of the dipole moment vector, optimization of the complex's geometry in one configuration resulted in switching it to the other one. Reversing the direction of the field then transformed the other configuration back to the original one. This switching behavior was observed beginning with the loose configuration and with the tight configuration. The geometrical and electronic parameters of the complex after four steps of the reversible switching have been calculated for a selected field intensity of 0.005 atomic units (a.u.), that is 0.257 V Å(-1).

Electric field control of proton-transfer molecular switching: molecular dynamics study on salicylidene aniline

In this letter, we propose a novel, ultrafast, efficient molecular switch whose switching mechanism involves the electric field-driven intramolecular proton transfer. By means of ab initio quantum chemical calculations and on-the-fly dynamics simulations, we examine the switching performance of an isolated salicylidene aniline molecule and analyze the perspectives of its possible use as an electric field-controlled molecular electronics unit.

Computational photochemistry of the azobenzene scaffold of Sudan I and Orange II dyes: excited-state proton transfer and deactivation via conical intersections

We employed the complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) and its multistate second-order perturbation (MS-CASPT2) methods to explore the photochemical mechanism of 2-hydroxyazobenzene, the molecular scaffold of Sudan I and Orange II dyes. It was found that the excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) along the bright diabatic (1) ππ* state is barrierless and ultrafast. Along this diabatic (1) ππ* relaxation path, the system can jump to the dark (1) nπ* state via the (1) ππ*/(1) nπ* crossing point. However, ESIPT in this dark state is largely inhibited owing to a sizeable barrier. We also found two deactivation channels that decay (1) ππ* keto and (1) nπ* enol species to the ground state via two energetically accessible S1 /S0 conical intersections. Finally, we encountered an interesting phenomenon in the excited-state hydrogen-bonding strength: it is reinforced in the (1) ππ* state, whereas it is reduced in the (1) nπ* state. The present work sets the stage for understanding the photophysics and photochemistry of Sudan I-IV, Orange II, Ponceau 2R, Ponceau 4R, and azo violet.

Multiphotochromic molecular systems

We review molecular compounds encompassing several photochromic units with a focus on their functionalities.

Photoinduced proton transfer and isomerization in a hydrogen-bonded aromatic azo compound: a CASPT2//CASSCF study

Intramolecularly hydrogen-bonded aromatic azo compound 1-cyclopropyldiazo-2-naphthol (CPDNO) exhibits complicated excited-state behaviors, e.g., wavelength-dependent photoinduced proton transfer and photoproducts. Its photochemistry differs from that of common aromatic azo compounds in which cis-trans photoisomerization is dominant. To rationalize the intriguing photochemistry of CPDNO at the atomic level, we have in this work employed the complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) and its second-order perturbation (CASPT2) methods to explore the S0, S1, and S2 potential-energy profiles relevant to enol-keto proton transfer and isomerization reactions. It is found that the proton transfer along the bright diabatic (1)ππ* potential-energy profile is almost barrierless, quickly forming the fluorescent (1)ππ* keto minimum. In this process, the dark (1)nπ* state is populated via a (1)ππ*/(1)nπ* crossing point, but the proton transfer on this dark state is suppressed heavily as a result of a large barrier. In addition, two deactivation paths that decay the S1 enol and keto minima to the S0 state, respectively, were uncovered. For the former, it is exoenergetic and thereby thermodynamically favorable; for the latter, it is a little endothermic (ca. 5 kcal/mol). Both are energetically allowable concerning the available total energy. Finally, on the basis of the present results, the experimentally observed wavelength-dependent photoproducts were explained very well.

Computational Photochemistry and Photophysics: the state of the art

This review starts with the most basic concepts in photochemistry and photophysics, followed by a chronological introduction of theoretical methods and relevant applications in the history of computational photochemistry, along with the authors’ comments on the methodologies currently available for photochemical studies. Recent advances in the field are next summarized and discussed, focusing separately on methodology and computational techniques and some highlighted applied works carried out during the last two years on the topics of photodissociations, photostability, photodimerizations, photoisomerizations, proton/hydrogen transfer, photodecarboxylations, charge transport, bioexcimers, chemiluminescence and bioluminescence. We finish this review by conclusions and an outlook of the future.