Oxazolone-Based Photoswitches: Synthesis and Properties

The synthesis, photophysics and photochemistry of a family of molecular switches inspired by the green fluorescent protein (GFP) chromophore is presented. These compounds can be synthesized in one step and good yields, their photophysical properties may be tuned by the substituents, solvent and wavelength of irradiation, and they show very efficient and fast photoisomerization. Furthermore, their high thermal stability and limited photodecomposition could allow these switches to be used in a range of applications. Finally, oxazolone photoswitches may be activated by the use of light and deactivated by either heat or light of a different wavelength.