Novel photo-switchable polymers based on calix[4]arenes

Abstract

5,17-Dinitrocalix[4]arenes with varying lower rim substituents (butyl, dodecyl chains), locked in the cone conformation, were synthesized and further subjected to reductive coupling reactions to yield a new type of photoswitchable polymers—poly(azocalix[4]arenes). These rigid polymers can undergo reversible photoswitching between the trans and cis form upon irradiation with specific wavelengths, as well as slow thermal isomerisation back to the preferred trans form.