Electron-donating Research Articles

Computational Study of the Antioxidative Potential of Substituted Hydroxy-2-arylbenzothiazole Derivatives

This study use density functional theory B3LYP/6-31+G(d) methods to examine theoretically the electrical and structural characteristics of substituted hydroxy-2-arylbenzothiazole derivatives, which contribute to their ability to scavenge free radicals. It was found that the antioxidant activities increase with small the energy gap ΔE (EL-EH), lower ionization potential (IP), lower hardness (η), higher softness (S), higher dipole moment, higher negative total energy of optimization and high the net charge. These values are interpreted with experimental equivalent antioxidant values. Two series of compounds, series one, compounds 1-6 (hydroxyl groups attached to aryl ring) and series two viz. compounds 7-10 (substituent to ortho-position of phenyl ring) were studied. It was observed that in series one, compound 6 with three hydroxy substituent had the lowest energy gap ΔE, lowest IP, lowest hardness (η), highest softness (S), highest dipole moment, highest total negative energy of optimization and compound 1 with no substituent had highest energy gap ΔE, highest IP, highest hardness (η), lowest softness (S), lowest dipole moment, lowest negative total energy of optimization. The results of the antioxidant activity are in the following order: 6 > 5 > 4 > 2 > 3 > 1. The introduction of the strongly electron-withdrawing substituent, –NO2 and –CN groups attached to phenyl ring of hydroxy-2-arylbenzothiazole nucleus improve the effect of antioxidant activity. On the basis of these findings, a novel antioxidant compound that possesses enhanced activity can be developed.

Palladium(II)-catalyzed annulation of N-methoxy amides and arynes: computational mechanistic insights and substituents effects.

The combined use of transition metal-catalyzed C-H activation with aryne annulation reactions has emerged as an important strategy in organic synthesis. In this study, the mechanisms of the palladium(II)-catalyzed annulation reaction of N-methoxy amides and arynes were computationally investigated by density functional theory. The role of methoxy amide as a directing group was elucidated through the calculation of three different pathways for the C-H activation step, showing that the pathway where amide nitrogen acts as a directing group is preferable. At the reductive elimination transition state, an unstable seven-membered ring is formed preventing the lactam formation. A substituent effect study based on an NBO analysis, Hammet, and using a More O'Ferall-Jenks plot indicates that the C-H activation step proceeds via an electrophilic concerted metalation-deprotonation (eCMD) mechanism. The results show that electron-withdrawing groups increase the activation barrier and contribute to an early Pd-C bond formation and a late C-H bond breaking when compared with electron-donating substituents. Our computational results are in agreement with the experimental data provided in the literature. All calculations were performed using Gaussian 16 software. Geometry optimizations, frequency analyses at 393.15 K, and IRC calculations were conducted at the M06L/Def2-SVP level of theory. Corrected electronic energies, NBO charges, and Wiberg bond indexes were computed at the M06L/Def2-TZVP//M06L/Def2-SVP level of theory. Implicit solvent effects were considered in all calculations using the SMD model, with acetonitrile employed as the solvent.

Tuning Electron-Accepting Properties of Phthalocyanines for Charge Transfer Processes.

Phthalocyanines play fundamental roles as electron-acceptors in many different fields; thus, the study of structural features affecting electron-accepting properties of these macrocycles is highly desirable. A series of low-symmetry zinc(II) phthalocyanines, in which one, three, or four benzene rings were replaced for pyrazines, was prepared and decorated with electron-neutral (alkylsulfanyl) or strongly electron-withdrawing (alkylsulfonyl) groups to study the role of the macrocyclic core as well as the effect of peripheral substituents. Electrochemical studies revealed that the first reduction potential (Ered1) is directly proportional to the number of pyrazine units in the macrocycle. Introduction of alkylsulfonyl groups had a very strong effect and resulted in a strongly electron-deficient macrocycle with Ered1 = -0.48 V vs SCE (in THF). The efficiency of intramolecular-charge transfer (ICT) from the peripheral bis(2-methoxyethyl)amine group to the macrocycle was monitored as a decrease in the sum of ΦΔ + ΦF and correlated well with the determined Ered1 values. The strongest quenching by ICT was observed for the most electron-deficient macrocycle. Importantly, an obvious threshold at -1.0 V vs SCE was observed over which no ICT occurs. Disclosed results may substantially help to improve the design of electron-donor systems based on phthalocyanines.

Ni/C-catalyzed aminocarbonylation of aryl halides using DMF as an amine source and o-chlorophenyl formate as a CO surrogate and promoter

We developed Ni/C-catalyzed aminocarbonylation of aryl halide by utilizing DMF and o-chlorophenyl formate to produce tertiary amides. This reaction employed o-chlorophenyl formate (OCPF) as a CO source, and it also acts as a promoter for the selective tertiary amide synthesis. Even under ideal conditions, this newly established approach considerably reduces the generation of homo-coupled biaryl ketone and phenoxy carbonylation byproducts. This protocol shows remarkable activity towards a wide range of aryl halides containing electron-donating and electron-withdrawing functional groups. This methodology represents the moisture-sensitive ligand-free, co-catalyst-free, and heterogeneous recyclable catalyst. The Ni/C catalyst was utilized for up to five consecutive runs. The fresh and recycled Ni/C catalysts were characterized using several techniques, including TEM, SEM, EDX, XRD, and TGA analysis.

Carboxylate Bridged Binuclear Cobalt(II) Complexes Catalyze the Hydrolysis of Thiolates to Alcohols

AbstractA binuclear Co(II) complex, [Co2(PhBIMP)(μ‐O2CPh)(MeCN)]2+ (1) (PhBIMP is the anion of 2,6‐bis[(bis((N‐1‐methyl‐4,5‐diphenylimidazoylmethyl) amino)methyl]‐4‐methylphenol) catalyzes the hydrolysis of thiolates to the corresponding alcohols/phenols at room temperature. Hydrolysis of 11 different thiolates has been investigated with a catalyst loading of 4–6.7 mol% and with the highest TON values reaching 22. Furthermore, the effects of electron donating and electron withdrawing groups on the bridging benzoate of 1 have been investigated. The intermediates, products, and fate of the catalyst have been identified by mass spectrometric, gas chromatographic and gravimetric methods, and based on that, a mechanism for the catalytic cycle has been proposed.

Hydroxylation of Substituted Anilides with Metallaphotocatalysis.

We report the combination of organo-photocatalysis with transition metal (TM) catalysis for directed ortho-hydroxylation of substituted anilides for the synthesis of α-aminophenol derivatives under mild conditions. The developed metallaphotocatalysis utilizes N-pivaloyl as a directing group and phenyl iodine(III) bis(trifluoroacetate) (PIFA) in the combination of the 1,2,3,5-tetrakis(carbazol-9-yl)-4,6-dicyanobenzene (4CzIPN) photocatalyst and [RuCl2(p-cymene)]2 TM catalyst under visible-light irradiation at room temperature. The hydroxylation reaction works well for a wide range of substrates containing electron-withdrawing substituents and could be applied to late-stage functionalization and ortho-hydroxyl metabolite generation for drug compounds-containing anilides with electron-withdrawing substituents in a single mild reaction.

Chromene-derived red-fluorescent probes for sulfite detection in food and living cells based on an integrated ICT&PET platform

Sulfite, widely used in food and pharmaceutical industries, poses significant health and safety concerns, necessitating efficient detection methods. This study introduces three novel red fluorescent probes (MCC-BT, MCC-TI, and MCC-DM), synthesized by integrating chromene derivatives with various electron-withdrawing groups. These probes effectively detect sulfite in both food samples and living cells, leveraging a mechanism transition from intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) to photo-induced electron transfer (PET). They demonstrate low detection limits (2.0 μM, 0.42 μM, and 0.34 μM, respectively) and offer advantages including large Stokes shifts, minimal interference, and colorimetric capabilities. We also developed smartphone-compatible test paper strips for convenient sulfite detection in real-world samples. The probes' effectiveness is further evidenced through sulfite quantification in Traditional Chinese Medicine ingredients. Additionally, their robust fluorescent imaging potential for cellular sulfite sensing highlights their significant contribution to analytical chemistry and biomedical research.

Intermolecular Hydrogen Bonding Networks Stabilized Organic Supramolecular Cathode for Ultra-High Capacity and Ultra-Long Cycle Life Rechargeable Aluminum Batteries.

Rechargeable aluminum batteries (RABs) are a promising candidate for large-scale energy storage, attributing to the abundant reserves, low cost, intrinsic safety, and high theoretical capacity of Al. However, the cathode materials reported thus far still face challenges such as limited capacity, sluggish kinetics, and undesirable cycle life. Herein, we propose an organic cathode benzo[i] benzo[6,7] quinoxalino [2,3-a] benzo [6,7] quinoxalino [2,3-c] phenazine-5,8,13,16,21,24-hexaone (BQQPH) for RABs. The six C=O and six C=N redox active sites in each molecule enable BQQPH to deliver a record ultra-high capacity of 413 mAh g-1 at 0.2 A g-1. Encouragingly, the intermolecular hydrogen bonding network and π-π stacking interactions endow BQQPH with robust structural stability and minimal solubility, enabling an ultra-long lifetime of 100,000 cycles. Moreover, the electron-withdrawing carbonyl group induces a reduction in the energy level of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital and expands the π-conjugated system, which considerably enhances both the discharge voltage and redox kinetics of BQQPH. In situ and ex situ characterizations combined with theoretical calculations unveil that the charge storage mechanism is reversible coordination/dissociation of AlCl2 + with the N and O sites in BQQPH accompanied by 12-electron transfer. This work provides valuable insights into the design of high-performance organic cathode materials for RABs.

NMI-SO2Cl2-Mediated Amide Bond Formation: Facile Synthesis of Some Dihydrotriazolopyrimidine Amide Derivatives as Potential Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Tubercular Agents.

Facile access to some novel biologically relevant dihydrotriazolopyrimidine carboxylic acid-derived amide analogues using NMI/SO2Cl2, and aromatic and aliphatic primary and secondary amines, is reported herein. The role of N-methylimidazole (NMI) as the base and sulfuryl chloride (SO2Cl2) as the coupling reagent has been effectively realized in accessing these molecules in good to excellent yields. The feasibility of the developed protocol has also been extended to the gram-scale synthesis of N-benzylbenzamide in a 75% yield from benzoic acid and benzyl amine. The newly synthesized compounds were tested via in vitro anti-inflammatory and anti-tubercular activity studies. The compounds 6aa and 6be were found to be the most active anti-inflammatory agents, whereas 6cb and 6ch were found to exhibit promising anti-tubercular potency when compared to other synthesized molecules. The structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies revealed the importance of the presence of electron-donating functionalities in enhancing the anti-inflammatory potential of the newly synthesized molecules. However, the presence of electron-withdrawing substituents was found to be significant for improving their anti-tubercular potency.

A sequencing electroreduction-electrooxidation system driven by atomic hydrogen for enhancing 2,4-dichloronitrobenzene removal from wastewater

The sequencing electroreduction-electrooxidation process has emerged as a promising approach for the degradation of the chloronitrobenzenes (CNBs) due to its elimination of electro-withdrawing groups in the reduction process, facilitating further removal in the subsequent oxidation process. Herein, we developed a cathode consisting of atom Pd on a Ti plate, which enabled the electro-generation of atomic hydrogen (H*) and the efficient electrocatalytic activation of H2O2 to hydroxyl radical (•OH). Cyclic voltammetry (CV) curves and electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra verified the existence of H* and •OH. The electroreduction-electrooxidation system achieved 94.7% of 20 mg L−1 2,4-DCNB removal with a relatively low H2O2 addition (5 mM). Moreover, the inhibition rate of Photobacterium phosphoreum in the effluent decreased from 95% to 52% after the sequencing electroreduction-electrooxidation processes. It was further revealed that the H* dominated the electroreduction process and triggered the electrooxidation process. Our work sheds light on the effective removal of electron-withdrawing groups substituted aromatic contaminants from water and wastewater.

Synthesis, spectroscopic, electrochemistry and antioxidant properties of benzofuroxan and 2H-benzimidazole 1,3-dioxide derivatives: Effects of conjugation with electron-acceptor 1,2,3-triazolyl-1,2,4-oxadiazole

A series of novel benzofuroxan and of 2,2-dimethyl-2H-benzimidazole 1,3-dioxide derivatives conjugated to the strong electron-withdrawing 1,2,4-oxadiazole ring and to the amide isostere 1,2,3-triazole were synthesized. NHeterocycle-N-oxide-bearing carboxylic acids and 1,2,3-triazole-4-carbamidoximes served as convenient reactants for the obtention of the 1,2,4-oxadiazoles. By employing O-(benzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N’,N’-tetramethyluronium tetrafluoroborate (TBTU) as coupling reagent and 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‑7-ene (DBU) as base in acetonitrile, in a one-pot sequence, at room temperature, products were obtained in generally high yields (64 – 93 %) after two 30 min steps and a simple purification process. NMR spectroscopy, X-Ray diffraction and DFT calculations helped to access the preferential tautomeric structures of selected compounds. UV–Vis spectroscopy revealed characteristic absorption peaks for 1,2,3-triazolyl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles 11aa-be, noteworthy an intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) band around 500–650 nm for benzimidazole-1,3-dioxide derivatives 11ba-be, while low fluorescence quantum yields and Stokes shifts were observed for all compounds. Both oxidation and reduction peaks were observed in Cyclic Voltammetry experiments, including irreversible reduction peaks for all 11aa-be compounds. TD-DFT calculations enabled comprehension of the molecular orbitals participation in the UV–Vis transitions, which depend on the N-oxide, the heterocycles and the substituted phenyl ring. Also, some compounds with electron withdrawing groups (Cl and CF3) also displayed good antioxidant activity in DPPH assays.

Dimerization of 9-Phenyl-ferroceno[2,3]indenylmethyl Radicals: Electrochemical and Spectroelectrochemical Studies.

We report on three new 9-phenyl-substituted ferroceno[2,3]indenylmethylium dyes 1 + -3 + with electron-donating (OMe, Me) or electron-withdrawing (CF3) substituents. Complexes 1 + -3 + exist as racemic mixtures of Rp and Sp enantiomers. Pyramidalization at the methyl C atom in the precursor carbinol species 1-OH-3-OH or the corresponding one-electron reduced radicals induces a second stereocenter, as the 9-phenyl substituent may reside in an endo or an exo position. Indeed, alcohol 2-OH crystallizes as a racemate of Rp,S and Sp,R isomers. Cationic complexes 1 + -3 + are of deep green color and show intense electronic absorption in the visible. The oxidation and reduction processes are thoroughly investigated by means of cyclic voltammetry and UV/vis/NIR spectroelectrochemistry, the latter showing their electrochromic behavior. T-dependent EPR spectroscopy, EPR spin counting at 20 °C, as well as the UV/vis/NIR spectra of the reduced samples suggest that the one-electron reduced, neutral radicals dimerize nearly quantitatively (≥99.98%). Chemical reduction of 2 + furnished an isomeric mixture of dimeric 2-2. As was shown by cyclic voltammetry and UV/vis/NIR spectroelectrochemistry, the latter dimer redissociates to monomers 2 + upon oxidation, thereby closing a reversible cycle of redox-induced C-C bond making and breaking.

Donor‐Acceptor Pyrene‐Based Covalent Organic Framework for Blue Light Photocatalytic Oxidative Coupling of Amines

AbstractCovalent organic frameworks (COFs) with a donor‐acceptor (D−A) architecture have been investigated as prospective semiconducting materials, particularly for photocatalytic processes. The incorporation of electron donating and accepting moieties into the COF backbone creates nano heterojunctions, enhancing efficient light absorption, charge separation, and charge transport. Herein, three pyrene‐based COFs were well designed for the aerobic coupling of amines under air atmosphere with blue‐LED irradiation. Among the three COFs, the Py‐Por‐COF with D−A structure exhibits the highest photocatalytic performance and demonstrates a remarkable apparent quantum efficiency of 11.3 % at 420 nm. In addition, the Py‐Por‐COF maintains a good level of crystallinity and high yield even undergone four cycles, showcasing the exceptional potential of D−A structure COFs in the field of photocatalytic organic transformation.

Computational screening of PCP-type pincer ligands for Mo-catalyzed nitrogen fixation

Abstract Computational screening of N-heterocyclic carbene-based PCP-type pincer ligands (PCP = 1,3-bis(di-tert-buthylphosphinomethyl)benzimidazole-2-ylidene) has been performed for the design of molybdenum-based molecular catalysts for nitrogen fixation. Previously, we theoretically and experimentally demonstrated that the introduction of electron-donating/withdrawing substituents to the original PCP ligand is a promising way to control the catalytic activity. Here, we investigate electronic and energetic properties of nitrogenous Mo intermediates bearing 40 substituted PCP ligands [MoI(NHx)(R-PCP)] (x = 1 to 3) that are involved in the rate-determining step in our proposed catalytic mechanism. Electron-withdrawing substituents enhance the π-accepting ability of R-PCP and effectively stabilize the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of the corresponding Mo–nitride (Mo≡N) complexes, which is expected to be advantageous for the transformation of the nitride N atom via proton-coupled electron transfer. The introduction of strong electron-withdrawing substituents to the PCP ligand also increases the N–H bond energy of [MoI(NHx)(R-PCP)] evaluated using the bond dissociation free energy and the bond dissociation enthalpy. As a result of the computational screening, we newly propose an alternative strategy for designing PCP ligands with high π-accepting ability: the extension of the π-conjugated system of the PCP ligand by introducing fused benzene rings.

Theoretical studies on opto-electronic properties of Congo red dye based dye-sensitized solar cells

Designing a structural moiety of metal-free organic dyes is vital for dye-sensitized solar cells' electronic and optical properties. In this study, a donor–π–acceptor based molecular design using N-methyl-4,5-diazocarbazole as the donor unit, Congo red dye as acceptor, 2-phenyl-2h-1,2,3-benzodiazphosphole as the π -spacer and cyano acrylic acid as the auxiliary acceptor unit is presented. Density functional theory studies were employed to study the effect of an electron-donating amino group and electron-withdrawing nitro group on the photo-electronic properties of the dyes. The D-A2- π -A1 strategy was adopted to extend the conjugation and delocalization of electrons, lower the HOMO-LUMO gap and improve the efficiency of the dye-sensitized solar cell. The strategy was developed to enhance the opto-electronic properties and, consequently, the photovoltaic performance. The best performance was depicted by diazo carbazole-3,3′-NO2 disubstituted Congo red dye-phosphole-cyanoacrylic acid, which possessed the lowest HOMO-LUMO gap. The presence of the nitro group on the Congo red dye increased the conjugation and intramolecular charge transfer resulting in a bathochromic shift. A similar observation was depicted by the electron-releasing amino group on donor carbazole moiety leading to a red shift.

Theoretical Investigation on Dialumenes toward Dihydrogen Activation: Mechanism and Ligand Effect.

Herein, we report a computation study based on the density functional theory calculations to understand the mechanism and ligand effect of the base-stabilized dialumenes toward dihydrogen activation. Among all of the examined modes of dihydrogen activation using the base-stabilized dialumene, we found that the concerted 1,2-hydrogenation of the Al═Al double bond is kinetically more preferable. The concerted 1,2-hydrogenation of the Al═Al double bond adopts an electron-transfer model with certain asynchrony. That is, the initial electron donation from the H-H σ bonding orbital to the empty 3p orbital of the Al1 center is followed by the backdonation from the lone pair electron of the Al2 center to the H-H σ antibonding orbital. Combined with the energy decomposition analysis on the transition states of the concerted 1,2-hydrogenation of the Al═Al double bond and the topographic steric mapping analysis on the free dialumenes, we ascribe the higher reactivity of the aryl-substituted dialumene over the silyl-substituted analogue in dihydrogen activation to the stronger electron-withdrawing effect of the aryl group, which not only increases the flexibility of the Al═Al double bond but also enhances the Lewis acidity of the Al═Al core. Consequently, the aryl-substituted dialumene fragment suffers less geometric deformation, and the orbital interactions between the dialumene and dihydrogen moieties are more attractive during the 1,2-hydrogenation process. Moreover, our calculations also predict that the Al═Al double bond has a good tolerance with the stronger electron-withdrawing group (-CF3) and the weaker σ-donating N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) analogue (e.g., triazol carbene and NHSi). The reactivity of the dialumene in dihydrogen activation can be further improved by introducing these groups as the supporting ligand and the stabilizing base on the Al═Al core, respectively.

A Tandem-Locked Chemiluminescent Probe for Imaging of Tumor-Associated Macrophage Polarization.

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a role in both pro- and anti-tumor functions; and the targeted polarization from M2 to M1 TAMs has become an effective therapy option. Although detection of M1 TAMs is imperative to assess cancer immunotherapeutic efficacy, existing optical probes suffer from shallow tissue penetration depth and poor specificity toward M1 TAMs. Herein, we report a tandem-locked NIR chemiluminescent (CL) probe for specific detection of M1 TAMs. Through a combined molecular engineering approach via both atomic alternation and introduction of electron-withdrawing groups, near-infrared (NIR) chemiluminophores are screened out to possess record-long emission (over 800 nm), record-high CL quantum yield (2.7 % einstein/mol), and prolonged half-life (7.7 h). Based on an ideal chemiluminophore, the tandem-locked probe (DPDGN) is developed to only activate CL signal in the presence of both tumour (γ-glutamyl transpeptidase) and M1 macrophage biomarkers (nitric oxide). Such a tandem-lock design ensures its high specificity towards M1 macrophages in the tumor microenvironment over those in normal tissues or peripheral blood. Thus, DPDGN permits noninvasive imaging and tracking of M1 TAM in the tumor of living mice during R837 treatment, showing a good correlation with ex vivo methods. This study not only reports a new molecular approach towards highly efficient chemiluminophores but also reveals the first tandem-locked CL probes for enhanced imaging specificity.

DFT and TD-DFT study of substituent effects on structure, spectroscopic and photoelectric characteristics of D-A dyes for solar cells

To study the structure, photophysical and photoelectric properties of chlorophyll derivatives, the chlorophyll derivative dyes (CHL-1 and CHL-6) were investigated to exploit their utility in solar cells. The two experimental dye systems were simulated using DFT and TD-DFT, and optimization of the structure, absorption spectroscopy, chemical parameters, electron transfer, and dye regeneration processes were studied to analyze their different performance. Furthermore, a functional group substitution strategy was adopted to improve PCE, and the electron-withdrawing groups were introduced into the acceptor group of CHL-6 to design new chlorophyll derivative molecules, in which the high efficiency for designed molecule CN-1 is 1.19 times that of the experimental molecule CHL-6. This study provides insights into the optoelectronic properties of chlorophyll derivatives, and introducing specific electron-withdrawing groups in the acceptor fraction helps to improve photoelectric efficiency.

Acceptor molecules with different central and terminal units for P3HT based solar cells: Effects of the molecular structures on their properties

The design strategy of acceptor materials matched with poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) is highly desired for the development of low-cost organic solar cells (OSCs). Herein, we introduced strong electron-donating central units and weak electron-withdrawing end groups to construct the acceptors with high HOMO and LUMO, modulated the molecular symmetry and conjugation length by changing the structures of central units, and synthesized six acceptor molecules, namely, TDTC-O2F, TTDTC-O2F, TTTDTC-O2F, TDTC-ThBr, TTDTC-ThBr and TTTDTC-ThBr. The high LUMO energy level of the acceptors endowed the P3HT based OSCs with relatively high Voc values. Molecular symmetry, conjugation length of central units and the terminal structure jointly affect the molecular crystallinity and miscibility of the blends. Owing to the proper film morphology, the P3HT:TTDTC-ThBr based devices achieved the champion power conversion efficiency of 6.15 %.

Dithienylethene-Based Photoswitchable Phosphines for the Palladium-Catalyzed Stille Coupling Reaction.

Homogeneous transition metal catalysis is a constantly developing field in chemical sciences. A growing interest in this area is photoswitchable catalysis, which pursues in situ modulation of catalyst activity through noninvasive light irradiation. Phosphorus ligands are excellent targets to accomplish this goal by introducing photoswitchable moieties; however, only a limited number of examples have been reported so far. In this work, we have developed a series of palladium complexes capable of catalyzing the Stille coupling reaction that contain photoisomerizable phosphine ligands based on dithienylethene switches. Incorporation of electron-withdrawing substituents into these dithienylethene moieties allows variation of the electron density on the phosphorus atom of the ligands upon light irradiation, which in turn leads to a modulation of the catalytic properties of the formed complexes and their activity in a model Stille coupling reaction. These results are supported by theoretical computations, which show that the energy barriers for the rate-determining steps of the catalytic cycle decrease when the photoswitchable phosphine ligands are converted to their closed state.