Upon exposure to light, σ-azido-stilbene crystals, and their derivatives, undergo photoreaction resulting in photomechanical effects; these effects can range from cracking to jumping, bubbling, and flaking. Irradiation of the azido-stilbene derivatives results in extrusion of nitrogen gas, which increase the pressure within the crystal lattice, ultimately causing the photomechanical effects listed above. An investigation of the crystal packing motif of the compound demonstrates how the crystal packing affects the photomechanics of the molecule. Through use of laser flash photolysis and quantum calculations, it has been determined that the σ-azidostilbenes react through a triplet biradical intermediate. The photolysis results in a cyclization, giving an indole photoproduct. This study further explores the largely untapped potential of photomechanical response triggered by light induced gas release.

Discovering properties of photodynamic crystals through crystal packing

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