Regulating photochromic behavior of a cyanostilbene by cucurbit[n]uril hosts in aqueous solution

Abstract

The effects of cucurbit[n]uril (CB[n]) hosts on the photochromic behaviors of a cyanostilbene derivative (1-Z) are reported. We find that CB[7] favors the Z to E isomerization and CB[8] inhibits the photoreaction of 1-Z. Interestingly, CB[10] induces an emission color change by encapsulating the photodimer of 1-Z in its cavity during irradiation.