Indole derivatives as core structural motifs in molecular organic photoactuators

Abstract

Indole and its derivatives are extremely versatile structures that impact an extraordinary broad range of disciplines in the chemical sciences. They represent a useful platform in organic synthesis which allows diverse functionalizations and are key scaffolds in both medicinal chemistry and the dye industry. Indeed, introducing an indole derivative in a molecule influences its absorption properties significantly and renders them interesting substructures in the construction of organic photoactuators. Specifically, as building block of molecular organic photoswitches and motors, they can be used to efficiently convert the energy applied by means of a light stimulus into motion on the molecular scale. Here, we will discuss the application of indole and its derivatives as core structures in various organic photoactuators and highlight the impact of this structural motif with respect to its isosters.