Synthesis and characterization of bis(4-amino-2-bromo-6-methoxy)azobenzene derivatives

Aminoazobenzene derivatives with four ortho substituents with respect to the N–N double bond are a relatively unexplored class of azo compounds that show promise for use as photoswitches in biology. Tetra- ortho -methoxy-substituted aminoazobenzene compounds in particular can form azonium ions under physiological conditions and exhibit red-light photoswitching. Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of two bis(4-amino-2-bromo-6-methoxy)azobenzene derivatives. These compounds form red-light-absorbing azonium ions, but only under very acidic conditions (pH < 1). While the low p K a makes the azonium form unsuitable, the neutral versions of these compounds undergo trans -to- cis photoisomerization with blue-green light and exhibit slow (τ 1/2 ≈ 10 min) thermal reversion and so may find applications under physiological conditions.

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