Ligand‐Tuning of the Excitation Wavelength of a Solid state E/Z Isomerization: [Zn(TA)2(2,2′‐Bipyridyl)] in a Supramolecular Framework

The single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal (SCSC) E?Z photoisomerization of TA in the supramolecular solid CECR‐Zn(TA)₂(bpy)]·H₂O (CECR = C‐ethylcalixresorcinarene, HTA = tiglic acid, and bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine, is induced by 458 nm light, indicating a red‐shift of the photo‐active wavelength on introduction of the aromatic bpy ligand compared with the previously studied reaction of CECR‐Zn(TA)₂(H₂O)₂] 4H₂O. Theoretical calculations show that the initial excitation involves the bipyridyl ligand, which acts as an intramolecular photosensitizer for the isomerization process. The reaction is topotactic and illustrated by photodifference maps.