Modular design of photo-regulated chiroptical switching elements: Amide-based oligomers

POLY 115

Gary D. Jaycox, gary.d.jaycox@usa.dupont.com and Eric D. Felton. DuPont Central Research and Development, E328-205B Experimental Station, Wilmington, DE 19880-0328
Chiral molecules that undergo photo-induced oscillations in optical rotatory power are well suited for the fabrication of sensors and optical switching and recording elements that have relevance to a number of emerging technologies. Earlier, we reported an efficient design strategy that allows for the modular construction of photo-regulated chiroptical switching elements from a simple set of commercially available “off-the-shelf” building blocks. In this regard, the covalent attachment of light-responsive azobenzene actuating groups to atropisomeric R- or S-binaphthalenes has been particularly fruitful, leading to diverse “molecular libraries” from which useful structure-property relationships have emerged. Herein we describe some of our more recent progress in this area, with specific emphasis on oligomeric, amide-based analogues.