The prototypical trans–cis photoisomerization of stilbenes is thought to occur via a transient intermediate with a perpendicular conformation—often called ‘the phantom state’—but its unambiguous identification has thus far proved difficult. Now, using ultrafast ultraviolet Raman spectroscopy and ab initio molecular dynamics simulation, evidence for its existence and its perpendicular conformation has been obtained.
- Hikaru Kuramochi
- Takuro Tsutsumi
- Tahei Tahara
