Abstract
We report on the synthesis of surface-active azobenzene-based surface-active ionic liquids (AzoSAILs) with tunable and photoswitchable physicochemical properties. The reversible isomerization between the trans- and the cis-form was studied in different solvents and concentration by spectroscopic methods. The potential of ionic AzoSAILs as light-controllable epoxidation catalysts was studied regarding their catalytic activity and switchable micelle formation in aqueous media. Zwitterionic AzoSAILs were investigated regarding their unprecedented light-controlled solubility, surface-activity in aqueous media and potential application in biphasic epoxidations. Additional valuable insight into the photoisomerizations is provided by computational studies.