Azobenzene derivatives due to their photo- and electroactive properties are an important group of compounds finding applications in diverse fields. Due to the possibility of controlling the trans–cis isomerization, azo-bearing structures are ideal building blocks for development of e.g. nanomaterials, smart polymers, molecular containers, photoswitches, and sensors. Important role play also macrocyclic compounds well known for their interesting binding properties. In this article selected macrocyclic compounds bearing azo group(s) are comprehensively described. Here, the relationship between compounds’ structure and their properties (as e.g. ability to guest complexation, supramolecular structure formation, switching and motion) is reviewed.

A facile way to obtain substituted azo- and azoxycrown ethers has been developed. Applicability of these crown ethers in sodium-sensitive membrane electrodes has been studied. Voltammetric behavior of the crown ethers bearing azo- and azoxy- subunits in the macrocyclic system has been characterized. Formation of Langmuir-Blodgett monolayers of amphiphilic azocrown ethers on aqueous subphase has been investigated.