In this paper, an extended isomerization
study of a series of nitro/cyano
mono- and disubstituted azo-monomers and related azo-poly(methacrylate)s
is conducted by UV–vis and 1H NMR spectroscopy.
The experiments, carried out in both toluene and dimethylformamide
(DMF), reveal an intriguing behavior. The monosubstituted azo-derivatives,
thermally relax monotonously via inversion mechanism, in both solvents.
Interestingly, the disubstituted azo-derivatives reveal stable Z isomers in DMF, while in toluene they exhibit very fast
relaxation, by inversion. The particular stability of Z isomers in DMF is explained in terms of solvent–solute interactions,
using quantum chemical calculations and Fourier transform-infrared
spectroscopy. In addition, the information–transmission capability
with time of one disubstituted azo-monomer is highlighted. The study
reveals that the nature and position of substituents on the azo-moiety,
and as well as their interaction with the solvent, have a crucial
importance for the Z–E thermal relaxation
and for the displayed photochromic properties.