Synthesis and photochromic behavior of some azo-polysiloxanes modified with nucleobases or donor-acceptor groups

This paper presents the syntheses, characterization and photochromic behavior of some new azo-polysiloxanes modified with uracil, cytosine or nitro-phenolic groups. Taking into consideration the possibility of generating H-bonds or donor/acceptor interactions, this class of materials present a potential applicability in the immobilization of biomolecules and their nano-manipulations. Also, such compounds are capable of producing a fluid phase, with directional flowing capacity. For all these polymers, the molecular modeling simulations have shown disordered structures, which would generate amorphous phases, a very important aspect for molecules’ nano-manipulation. The photochromic behavior in the presence of UV irradiation was also evaluated.