A photo-responsive poly(amide-triazole) physical organogel bearing azobenzene residues in the main chain.

The synthesis of a click poly(amide-triazole) bearing multiple azobenzene units along the main chain was reported. The polymer was found to form strong physical polymer organogels. This structural design facilitates a much more efficient photomechanical effect upon photochemical excitation, and a highly reversible sol-gel transformation can be smoothly triggered by light irradiation and thermal treatment.