Reversible trans-to-cis photoisomerization and irreversible photocyclization reactions of a Co-coordinated stilbene derivative on chiral di-β-diketonate lanthanide complexes

Six lanthanide complexes constructed from β-diketonates, a stilbene derivative, a trifluoroacetate anion and a water molecule, were synthesised and characterised. Their chirality, reversible photoisomerisation and irreversible photocyclisation reactions were also studied.