page_title: Photochromism
section_title: Azobenzenes
hierarchical_section_title: Photochromism / Classes of photochromic materials / Azobenzenes
context_page_description: Photochromism is the reversible transformation of a chemical species between two forms by the absorption of electromagnetic radiation, where the two forms have different absorption spectra. In plain language, this can be described as a reversible change of colour upon exposure to light.
context_section_description: The photochromic trans-cis isomerization of azobenzenes has been used extensively in molecular switches, often taking advantage of its shape change upon isomerization to produce a supramolecular result. In particular, azobenzenes incorporated into crown ethers give switchable receptors and azobenzenes in monolayers can provide light-controlled changes in surface properties.
caption: Azobenzene photoisomerization.
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