Conformation-Assisted Amplification of Chirality Transfer of ChiralZ-Azobenzenes

Photoisomerization of azobenzenes is an active area of researchsince it may play an important role in light-driven molecular systems. Here is described the first example of a chiral azobenzene system where the Z-isomer (see Figure) has greater helical twisting power than the corresponding E-isomer. This is the opposite of what occurs with conventional chiral azobenzenes, which holds significance for the molecular design of optical devices.