Synthetic Methods Driven by the Photoactivity of Electron Donor–Acceptor Complexes
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Open Access
- 5 March 2020
- journal article
- review article
- Published by American Chemical Society (ACS) in Journal of the American Chemical Society
- Vol. 142 (12), 5461-5476
- https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.0c01416
Abstract
The association of an electron-rich substrate with an electron-accepting molecule can generate a new molecular aggregate in the ground state, called an electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complex. Even when the two precursors do not absorb visible light, the resulting EDA complex often does. In 1952, Mulliken proposed a quantum-mechanical theory to rationalize the formation of such colored EDA complexes. However, and besides a few pioneering studies in the 20th century, it is only in the last few years that the EDA complex photochemistry has been recognized as a powerful strategy for expanding the potential of visible-light-driven radical synthetic chemistry. Here, we explain why this photochemical synthetic approach was over-looked for so long. We critically discuss the historical con-text, scientific reasons, serendipitous observations, and landmark discoveries that were essential for progress in the field. We also outline future directions and identify the key advances that are needed to fully exploit the potential of the EDA complex photochemistry.Keywords
Funding Information
- Ministerio de Econom?a y Competitividad (CTQ2016-75520-P)
- H2020 Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (H2020-MSCA-IF-2017 795793, H2020-MSCA-ITN-2016 (722591?PHOTOTRAIN))
- H2020 European Research Council (ERC 681840 - CATA-LUX)
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