Electronic energy transfer in supramolecular species. “Self-poisoning” and “self-educating” systems

Abstract

We examine the possibility to design supramolecular systems where the photoinduced energy flow can be either interrupted or initiated by a self-photosensitized reaction. Systems of the first type are called “self-poisoning”, whereas those of the second type are called “self-educating”. An example of a “self-poisoning” system, are made of Ru(bpy)₃ ²⁺- and Os(bpy)₃ ²⁺-type units (bpy is 2,2′-bipyridine) linked to the 9,10-positions of an anthracene ring is discussed.