Reversible trans–cis photoisomerization of azobenzene-attached bipyridine ligands coordinated to cobalt using a single UV light source and the Co(iii)/Co(ii) redox change

The trans/cis ratio of the azobenzene-attached bipyridine ligands in a cobalt complex is reversibly altered by a combination of photoirradiation with a single UV light source and the reversible redox change between Co(II) and Co(III).