Contemporary Photoligation Chemistry: The Visible Light Challenge. Issue 15 (13th December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Offenloch, Janin T.; Gernhardt, Marvin; Blinco, James P.; Frisch, Hendrik; Mutlu, Hatice; Barner‐Kowollik, Christopher
• Is Part Of: Chemistry. Volume 25:Issue 15(2019)
• Page Start: 3700
• Page End: 3709
• Publication Date: 2018-12-13
• Subjects: action plots -- photochemistry -- polymer chemistry -- red-shifting; Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540
• DOI: 10.1002/chem.201803755
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0947-6539

Abstract

Abstract: Catalyst‐free and bond‐forming light‐induced reactions have seen an unprecedented renaissance in the realm of soft matter materials science due to their efficiency, spatio‐temporal controllability and, sometimes, photoreversible nature. However, many of these reactions rely on the application of high energy UV light that can cause photo‐degradation and is inapplicable in biological environments. If up‐conversion systems or two‐photon processes are to be avoided, strategies for red‐shifting catalyst‐free ligation technology are critically required. This Concept article introduces the reader to recent methods that lead to efficient, catalyst‐free visible‐light‐induced ligation chemistry based on polyaromatic substituted photoreactive compounds—pyrene and anthracene—and, furthermore, emphasizes the broad and facile applicability of these molecules in polymeric material design. Concomitantly, we highlight that a careful action plot analysis of photochemical reactivity can provide deep insights into reactivity patterns, far beyond those suggested by the absorption spectrum. Indeed, we suggest that an action plot analysis is necessary for the evaluation of any photochemical system and its response to structural chemical changes. Abstract : A challenge in sight ! Accessing photochemical reactivity within the mild visible light regime without the use of catalysts is challenging. The present Concept article explores the state‐of‐the‐art and argues that an action plot analysis of photochemical reactivity is key to enabling the mildest approaches to photoreactivity.