Researchers create a photographic film of a molecular switch

Molecular structure of the photo-responsive molecular switch (in the center) surrounded by solvent molecules. The scientists revealed a light-induced pedalo-type motion, which goes both forward and backward. The image is on the cover of the print edition of the magazine, which was published today (June 18). Reprinted with permission from I. Conti et al. The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters, ACS Molecular switches - they are the molecular counterparts of electrical switches and play an important role in many processes in nature. Such molecules can reversibly interconvert between two or more states and thereby control molecular processes. In living organisms, for example, they play a role in muscle contraction but also our visual perception is based on the dynamics of a molecular switch in the eye.