Illuminating Photoswitchable Catalysis

Abstract

Through the realization of conceptually new approaches aimed at controlling chemical reactions using light, the field of photoswitchable catalysis has seen rapid development over the past three decades. Although many photoswitchable catalysts are heterogeneous and utilize photosensitive surfaces, such as TiO2 and CdSe, significant attention has also been directed toward homogeneous analogues, primarily by capitalizing on the steric changes that accompany the E → Z photoisomerizations of azobenzene or stilbene derivatives. More recently, photochromic diarylethene moieties have been used to switch the intrinsic catalytic activities and selectivities through alteration of the steric and electronic properties displayed by a supporting ligand. In addition to detailing the aforementioned advances, this perspective summarizes other important developments in photoswitchable catalysis and offers a viewpoint on the future outlook of the field.