The first photoswitchable bimetallic gold catalysts based on an azobenzene backbone have been synthesized and their catalytic properties have been investigated. In the intramolecular hydroamination reaction, the reaction rate proved to be dependent on the E- or Z-configuration of the catalyst used, with the Z-isomer being significantly more active. These results suggest that a possible cooperative effect between the two metals operates in this reaction.

Time-efficient synthetic methods of porous organic polymers are searched in order to extend the applications of these materials. In this work, we show a robust and time-efficient synthetic method of azo-linked porous organic polymers named Azo-POPs based on a NaBH₄-mediated reductive coupling polymerization on well-known polynitro monomers. Azo-POPs were found to have a high Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area and potential for aniline adsorption. Interestingly, Azo-POP-1 showed adsorption capacity towards aniline as high as 1059.68 mg g⁻¹ at 293 K, which surpassed that of adsorbent materials reported in the literature.