Photoinduced Electron Transfer Processes in Biological and Artificial Supramolecules

Abstract

In this chapter, we introduce the photoinduced electron‐transfer processes in supramolecular systems and related biological systems that display phenomena of self‐assembly, namely, photosynthesis system and DNA. Photoinduced energy and electron‐transfer processes in natural photosynthesis systems are reviewed at first on the basis of the structure and kinetic parameters. Then, artificial photosynthesis systems, which convert light energy to chemical products such as ATP and molecular oxygen or electronic current in solar cell, are introduced. In addition, molecular machines based on electron transfer, which convert light energy to machinery motions, are also discussed. Next, chemosensors for ion and molecule detection and sensing are described using selected examples. In the following part, the photoinduced electron transfer in DNA is reviewed. The oxidative and reductive electron transfers in DNA are introduced on the basis of the kinetic parameters. Finally, sensing of base sequence in DNA on the basis of the electron‐transfer process is introduced.

Photoinduced Electron- and Energy-Transfer Processes in Supramolecules using Imide Compounds

“…Various photoinduced processes related to the natural photosynthesis systems have attracted quite wide attentions of scientists for long time and their mechanisms have been revealed by various spectroscopic measurements including ultrafast spectroscopy. 1 The studies trying to mimic the natural photosynthesis realized various artificial photosynthesis systems which are applicable to light-energy conversion systems such as solar cells. In addition, organic synthesis initiated by photoinduced electron transfer and energy transfer has been also investigated widely to attain efficient and selective reactions.…”

“…In eq(1), λS is the solvent reorganization energy given by eq. (2), V is the electronic coupling, S is the electron-vibration coupling constant given by eq.…”