Photoisomerization

Photoisomerization is a process in chemistry and biochemistry where the isomers of a molecule in a chemical compound are transformed through the absorption of light. This process is a key mechanism in the vision process of many organisms and has significant applications in the field of optoelectronics.

Overview

Photoisomerization involves the rearrangement of a molecule's atoms caused by the absorption of light, resulting in a change in the molecule's geometry. This process can occur in various types of molecules, including organic compounds and inorganic compounds. The two main types of photoisomerization are cis-trans and conformational photoisomerization.

Cis-trans Photoisomerization

Cis-trans photoisomerization involves the rotation around a double bond in a molecule. The cis isomer has atoms on the same side of the double bond, while the trans isomer has atoms on opposite sides. When light is absorbed, the molecule can switch from one form to the other. This process is crucial in the vision process of many organisms, as it occurs in the retinal molecule found in the eye.

Conformational Photoisomerization

Conformational photoisomerization involves the rotation around a single bond in a molecule. This process can result in a variety of different shapes for the molecule, each with different chemical properties. Conformational photoisomerization is a key process in many biological systems, including the protein folding process.

Applications

Photoisomerization has significant applications in the field of optoelectronics, particularly in the development of molecular switches and data storage devices. The ability to control the shape of a molecule using light allows for the creation of devices with unique properties.

See also

• Isomer
• Photochemistry
• Photobiology
• Optoelectronics