Photoreversible assembly-disassembly of a polymeric structure by using an azobenzene photoswitch and Al3+ ions

A nonmacrocyclic azobenzene-based photochromic receptor in its E isomer forms an extended polymeric assembly with Al(3+) ions. Exposure of the E form to UV light at λ = 366 nm causes a disassembly of the polymeric structure due to the change in the molecular geometry of the ligand. The linear polymeric structure was regenerated on exposure to visible light.