Solvent-controlled E/Z isomerization vs. [2 + 2] photocycloaddition mediated by supramolecular polymerization.

ABSTRACT: Control over the photochemical outcome of photochromic molecules in solution represents a major challenge, as photoexcitation often leads to multiple competing photochemical and/or supramolecular pathways resulting in complex product mixtures. Herein, we demonstrate precise and efficient control over the photochemical behaviour of cyanostilbenes in solution using a straightforward solvent-controlled approach based on supramolecular polymerization. To this end, we designed a π-extended cyanostilbene bolaamphiphile that exhibits tuneable solvent-dependent photochemical behaviour. Photoirradiation of the system in a monomeric state (in organic solvents) exclusively leads to a highly reversible and efficient E/Z photoisomerization, whereas a nearly quantitative [2 + 2] photocyclo

SUBMITTER: Dunnebacke T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8162386 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature