Fluorescent Azobenzene-Containing Compounds: From Structure to Mechanism

The reversible photoisomerization of azobenzenes has been extensively studied to construct systems with optical responsiveness; however, this process limits the luminescence these compounds. Recently, there have many efforts design and synthesize fluorescent azobenzene compounds, such as inhibition electron transfer, inducing aggregation, metal-enhancement, which make materials ideal for application in fluorescence probes, light-emitting devices, molecular detection, etc. Herein, we review recently reported progress development various summarize possible mechanism their emission. potential applications are also discussed. Finally, order guide research field, existing problems future prospects