Light responsive functional polyolefins

Azobenzene and its derivatives are interesting molecules because of their ability to switch from more stable trans isomer to less stable cis form by using opportune wavelength light irradiation. This rapid and reversible photoisomerization can cause changes to the optical, geometric, mechanical and chemical properties of materials where these chromophores are incorporated. The grafting of azobenzene derivatives to polymers can provide functional materials which can for example undergo to light-induced shape changes giving rise to non-linear optical devices and reversible memory storage systems