Stepping It Up

The solid state was long perceived as relatively unreactive, but as [Scheffer and Scott][1] discuss in their Perspective, this view is changing fast. They highlight the report by [ Irie et al. ][2], who have crystallized an organic compound that undergoes a cyclization reaction upon irradiation, resulting in a reversible color and surface morphological change. This and similar systems may have applications in nanomechanical devices or may serve as alternatives for solution reactions in organic synthesis. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/291/5509/1712 [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/291/5509/1769