Synthesis of a novel azobenzene-based trihydroxamate siderophore and photoregulation of its ferric complex structure

In order to develop an artificial photoresponsive siderophore by utilizing the photo-isomerization of an azobenzene group, a novel trihydroxamate siderophore based on an azobenzene skeleton was synthesized. The 1:1 and 2:2 stoichiometry of the ferric complex can be almost perfectly regulated reversibly by irradiation with UV and visible light, respectively.