Isomerization of p,p′-Diiodoazobenzene Controlled by the Surface Plasmon-Assisted Reaction

[Image: see text] Based on a SERS study, the plasmon-assisted coupling reaction of p-iodoaniline (PIAN) to p,p′-diiodoazobenzene was investigated. This model plasmon-assisted reaction exhibits an outstanding SERS performance with the limit of detection as low as 10(–13) M. Under low concentrations, the control of the cis–trans isomerization of p,p′-diiodoazobenzene was achieved by characterizing the Raman peak intensity at 1432 cm(–1) of the coupling reaction catalytic product. We present the regulation strategy for the isomerization of azobenzene derivatives enabled here, through the controlled adjustment of reactant concentration, and expand the application of SERS technique.