E,Z-Isomerization and Accompanying Photoreactions of Oximes, Oxime Ethers, Nitrones, Hydrazones, Imines, Azo- and Azoxy Compounds, and Various Applications

Oximes, nitrones, hydrazones, imines, and azo compounds having either a nitrogen-carbon or nitrogen-nitrogen double bond in the

Z

or

E

configuration exhibit a wide variety of photochemical reactions. In particular, the reversible

E,Z-

photoisomerization of azobenzene and its derivatives has recently attracted considerable attention by virtue of their potential for technological applications. This chapter briefly presents an overview of the

E,Z-

photointerconversions that are the primary photoreactions of these groups of compounds. The accompanying diverse photochemical reactions are also described.