The synthesized macrocycle can be reversibly isomerized between E and Z isomers upon UV or visible irradiation with excellent photostability and thermal stability (t1/2 =51 days at 20 °C for the Z isomer).  Furthermore, the macrocycle showed gelation ability in cyclohexane and ethanol with multistimuli-responsive behavior upon exposure to environmental stimuli including thermal-, photo-, and mechanical responses. 
THERM