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Aryl-maleimides undergo a novel [2+4]-photodimerization instead of the expected [2+2]-photodimerization under both direct irradiation with visible light and under sensitized energy transfer conditions. This new excited state reactivity in aryl-maleimides is deciphered through photochemical, photophysical, and spectroscopic studies. The stereochemistry of the photodimer depends on the type of non-bonding interactions prevalent during photodimerization which is in turn dictated by the substituents on the maleimide ring. More importantly, the stereochemistry of the photodimer formed is complementary to the product observed under thermal conditions., (© 2023 The Authors. Angewandte Chemie International Edition published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Photodegradable, recyclable, and renewable, crosslinked polymers from bioresources show promise towards developing a sustainable strategy to address the issue of plastics degradability and recyclability. Photo processes are not widely exploited for upcycling polymers in spite of the potential to have spatial and temporal control of the degradation in addition to being a green process. In this report we highlight a methodology in which biomass-derived crosslinked polymers can be programmed to degrade at ≈300 nm with ≈60 % recovery of the monomer. The recovered monomer was recycled back to the crosslinked polymer., (© 2022 The Authors. Angewandte Chemie International Edition published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Selective excited-state intramolecular proton-transfer (ESIPT) photocycloaddition of 3-hydroxyflavones with trans, trans-1,4-diphenyl-1,3-butadiene is described. Using this methodology, total syntheses of the natural products (±)-foveoglin A and (±)-perviridisin B were accomplished. Enantioselective ESIPT photocycloaddition using TADDOLs as chiral hydrogen-bonding additives provided access to (+)-foveoglin A. Mechanistic studies have revealed the possibility for a photoinduced electron-transfer (PET) pathway., (© 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Intramolecular atropselective aza Paternò-Büchi reaction involving atropisomeric enamide and imine functionalities under sensitized irradiation leads to azetidine products in good yield and selectivity (ee >96 %). A mechanistic model based on detailed photophysical and isomerization kinetic studies is provided that shed light into the reactivity of enamides leading to aza Paternò-Büchi reaction., (© 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Light-induced transformation of atropisomeric and achiral enones displays divergent reactivity. Photocyclization leading to 3,4-dihydroquinolin-2-one was observed with achiral enone carboxamide, whereas the atropisomeric enone carboxamides underwent hydrogen abstraction leading to spiro-β-lactams. Detailed photochemical, photophysical, and theoretical investigations have provided insight into this divergent reactivity and selectivity., (© 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Mechanistic investigations of the intermolecular [2+2] photocycloaddition of coumarin with tetramethylethylene mediated by thiourea catalysts reveal that the reaction is enabled by a combination of minimized aggregation, enhanced intersystem crossing, and altered excited-state lifetime(s). These results clarify how the excited-state reactivity can be manipulated through catalyst-substrate interactions and reveal a third mechanistic pathway for thiourea-mediated organo-photocatalysis., (© 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Renewable polymeric materials derived from biomass with built-in phototriggers were synthesized and evaluated for degradation under irradiation of UV light. Complete decomposition of the polymeric materials was observed with recovery of the monomer that was used to resynthesize the polymers., (© 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Can photocatalysis be performed without electron or energy transfer? To address this, organo-photocatalysts that are based on atropisomeric thioureas and display lower excited-state energies than the reactive substrates have been developed. These photocatalysts were found to be efficient in promoting the [2+2] photocycloaddition of 4-alkenyl-substituted coumarins, which led to the corresponding products with high enantioselectivity (77-96% ee) at low catalyst loading (1-10 mol%). The photocatalytic cycle proceeds by energy sharing via the formation of both static and dynamic complexes (exciplex formation), which is aided by hydrogen bonding., (© 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Enantiospecific axial-to-point chiral transfer in light-induced transformations was efficient under elevated pressure at high temperatures. Model photoreactions with atropisomeric compounds showed higher enantioselectivity in the photoproducts under elevated pressure. The ee values in the photoproducts were rationalized based on the increased stability of optically pure atropisomeric compounds at elevated pressure, even at high temperatures., (Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Cucurbiturils are a family of molecular container compounds with superior molecular recognition properties. The use of cucurbiturils for supramolecular catalysis is highlighted in this concept. Both photochemical reactions as well as thermal transformations are reviewed with an eye towards tailoring substrates for supramolecular catalysis mediated by cucurbiturils., (Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)