Photochemical and Thermal Isomerization Processes of a Chiral Auxiliary Based Donor–Acceptor Substituted Chiroptical Molecular Switch: Convergent Synthesis, Improved Resolution and Switching Properties

A new type of chiroptical molecular switch is presented where irradiation employing different wavelengths of light induces a reversible helix inversion of a sterically overcrowded alkene bearing a second chiral entity in the form of a stereogenic center present in a pyrrolidine unit. The additional stereogenic center in the chiral auxiliary group has a distinct influence on the switching selectivity of this system and greatly facilitates the resolution of the different diastereoisomers, which is a considerable improvement compared with previously reported systems. In addition, the pyrrolidine stereogenic center causes small energetic differences between the various states of the switch system resulting in a small but significant directional preference in the helix inversion steps.