An encapsulating frame is essential to the function(s) of macroscopic gyroscopes. Emulating their structure and properties, we have designed and synthesized photoresponsive molecular rotors  intended to form crystalline arrays that respond to an external electric field (E). The collective re-orientation of central dipolar rotators can be probed by means of polarized optical measurements and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy. Moreover, upon UV-Vis irradiation of a photoresponsive component, we envision structural changes that will affect the ability of the central rotator to re-orient freely. Thus, it is possible to tune the rotational dynamics and the dielectric and optical properties of the corresponding material. The presentation will address the challenges leading towards the synthesis of systems of interest and discuss their rotational dynamics as well as their photochromic behavior in the crystalline phase.

Rotational dynamics in photoresponsive crystalline molecular rotors

248th National Meeting (2014)

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