Molecular photoswitches are potent tools to construct dynamic functional systems and responsive materials in that can be controlled in a non-invasive manner. As a P-type photoswitch, stiff-stilbene attracts an increasing interest, owing to its superiority in quantum yield, significant geometric differences between isomers, excellent thermostability and robust switching behavior. Nevertheless, the UV-light-triggered photoisomerization of stiff-stilbenes has been a main drawback for decades as UV light is potentially harmful and has low penetration depth. Here, we provided a series of para-formylated stiff-stilbenes by Rieche ortho-formylation to achieve all-visible-light-responsiveness. Additional phenolic groups leave access to late-stage chemical modification facilitating design of molecules responsive to visible light. Remarkably, the photoisomerization of aldehyde-appended stiff-stilbenes could be fully manipulated by visible light, accompanied by a high photostationary state (PSS) distribution. These features render them excellent candidates for future visible-light-controllable smart materials and dynamic systems.

This article is Open Access

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