title: Mechano-isomerization of azobenzene.
abstract: We show that ultrasound-induced mechanical force isomerizes an azobenzene centered within a poly(methyl acrylate) polymer from cis to trans configuration without cleaving the azo bond. The isomerization rate was not altered by the polarity of the solvent indicating that the isomerization occurs through a non-polar, inversion transition state.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 710 N. Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
authors.forename: Sravan K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Surampudi
authors.forename: Harik R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Nagarjuna
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Venkataraman
mesh_terms: D001391:Azo Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D015394:Molecular Structure; D011108:Polymers / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry; D013237:Stereoisomerism
chemical_list: D001391:Azo Compounds; D011108:Polymers; C009850:azobenzene