2. Incorporation of azobenzenes into disc-like shape-persistent macrocycles offers the opportunity to change the spacial arrangement from the 2 dimensional flat structure to a 3 dimensional geometry, allowing alteration of their supramolecular assembly.

7. Summary:
A new molecular system based on dimeric trisazobiphenyl macrocycles has been prepared,
which displays switchable pi-stacking interaction upon UV irradiation.
This property is utilized to build up light-controlled 3-dimensional networks, which form
switchable gels with aromatic solvents.
Should be applicable to bind other small molecules and release them on demand just with
light.