@article{GouletHanssensRietzeTitovetal.2018,
  author    = {Goulet-Hanssens, Alexis and Rietze, Clemens and Titov, Evgenii and Abdullahu, Leonora and Grubert, Lutz and Saalfrank, Peter and Hecht, Stefan},
  title     = {Hole Catalysis as a General Mechanism for Efficient and Wavelength-Independent Z -> E Azobenzene Isomerization},
  series = {CHEM},
  volume    = {4},
  journal   = {CHEM},
  number    = {7},
  publisher = {Cell Press},
  address   = {Cambridge},
  issn      = {2451-9294},
  doi       = {10.1016/j.chempr.2018.06.002},
  pages     = {1740 -- 1755},
  year      = {2018},
  abstract  = {Whereas the reversible reduction of azobenzenes has been known for decades, their oxidation is destructive and as a result has been notoriously overlooked. Here, we show that a chain reaction leading to quantitative Z -> E isomerization can be initiated before reaching the destructive anodic peak potential. This hole-catalyzed pathway is accessible to all azobenzenes, without exception, and offers tremendous advantages over the recently reported reductive, radical-anionic pathway because it allows for convenient chemical initiation without the need for electrochemical setups and in the presence of air. In addition, catalytic amounts of metal-free sensitizers, such as methylene blue, can be used as excited-state electron acceptors, enabling a shift of the excitation wavelength to the far red of the azobenzene absorption (up to 660 nm) and providing quantum yields exceeding unity (up to 200\%). Our approach will boost the efficiency and sensitivity of optically dense liquid-crystalline and solid photo-switchable materials.},
  language  = {en}
}