Beads, boats and switches: Making things happen with molecular photoswitches

In this paper we present recent results obtained with a stimulus-responsive materials based on the photo-switchable behaviour exhibited by spiro-cyclic derivatives. Our results suggest that these highly novel materials offer unique capabilities hitherto inaccessible using conventional materials. In particular, we will focus on photocontrolled guest binding and release, inherent signalling of status, photo-actuation and solvent driven motion of small structures as examples of the fascinating behaviour of these exceptional materials.