Conversion of light into molecular and supramolecular strain. (A) Evolution of the CD spectra of tubules formed by 1 (2.5 µM solution of 1 in water) as a function of the time upon irradiation (measured at 0, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 35, 50, and 60 min) with UV light (λ = 365 nm). The disappearance of the CD signal after 35 min indicates that the tubules have disappeared. (B) Absorption spectral changes induced by irradiation with UV light.