Light-Triggered Actuation and Liquefaction of Mechanically Flexible Azine Single Crystal

Abstract

Photomechanical actuation in crystalline materials is commonly achieved through photoisomerization of the constituent molecules, whereas photoliquefaction of photoswitchable systems has typically been obtained by light-induced modulation of the melting point. However, the coexistence of photomechanical actuation and photoliquefaction in a plastically bendable single-crystalline material remains rare. In this study, we report crystals of a 4,4′-diamyloxy derivative of azine (AzA) exhibiting plastic deformability along with photomechanical actuation and photoliquefaction. The alkyl chains impart flexibility to facilitate plastic deformation, while the light-induced properties originate from the combination of photoisomerization and the photothermal effect. The integration of mechanical flexibility, photomechanical actuation, and photoliquefaction within a crystalline material provides new insights into a multifunctional light-responsive crystalline system.