Synthesis of 4′-Alkoxy-4-(ω-cinnamoylalkoxy)azobenzenes and Their Photoswitchable Behavior

Abstract

: In search of new thermotropic, photoswitchable materials, a number of 4′ -alkoxy-4- (ω -cinnamoylalkoxy)azobenzenes were prepared. The synthetic procedure included O -alkylation of 4-nitrophenol, followed by reduction of the nitro group (H 2 , Pd/C), diazotization of the aniline and subsequent reaction with ω -hydroxyalkoxybenzenes, followed by a modified Appel-type esterification (BrCCl 3 , PPh 3 ). The photochemical behavior of the substances was investigated.