Influence of inter- and intramolecular H-bonding on the mesomorphic and photoswitching behaviour of ( E )-4-((4-(hexyloxy)phenyl)diazenyl)- N -phenyl benzamides

) by using UV-Visible spectroscopy. This interesting behaviour could be attributed to the presence of the hexyloxy tail, lateral electron withdrawing group and the influence of inter- or intramolecular hydrogen bonding. Excellent bright and dark states were accomplished using one of these materials in optical storage device. Further tuning is necessary to employ them for real applications.