Supramolecular photocatalysis: combining confinement and non-covalent interactions to control light initiated reactions

Abstract

Using non-bonding interactions to control photochemical reactions requires an understanding of not only thermodynamics and kinetics of ground state and excited state processes but also the intricate interactions that dictate the dynamics within the system of interest. This review is geared towards a conceptual understanding of how one can control the reactivity and selectivity in the excited state by employing confinement and non-covalent interactions. Photochemical reactivity of organic molecules within confined containers and organized assemblies as well as organic templates that interact through H-bonding and/or cation-carbonyl/cation-π interactions is reviewed with an eye towards understanding supramolecular effects and photocatalysis.

Can we beat the biotin–avidin pair?: cucurbit[7]uril-based ultrahigh affinity host–guest complexes and their applications

“…1,2 This affinity pair has been exploited in many applications including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, protein and nucleic acid detection and purification, and immobilization of biomolecules on surfaces. [30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39] Isaacs, Kim, and others reported that this host family forms exceptionally stable host-guest complexes with specific guest molecules. Also, the interaction between avidin and biotin can be undesirably affected by bio-systems, thus limiting their biological applications.…”

Theory Meets Experiment for Noncovalent Complexes: The Puzzling Case of Pnicogen Interactions

“…Noncovalent interactions play ak ey role in several biological [1] and technological processes, [2][3][4][5] yet their characterization and interpretation are still far from being satisfactory,especially when the bonding pair is made up of two nonhydrogen atoms.I nt his connection, integrated experimental and computational investigations can play an invaluable role provided that the accuracy of the results is accompanied by their rigorous and understandable interpretation. Different quantum chemical models (NOCV/CD and NBO) agree in indicating that this interaction largely prevails over the C À H···O and CÀH···N hydrogen bonds.F urthermore,aSAPT analysis shows that electrostatic and dispersion interactions play ac omparable role in stabilizing the complex.…”

Features of styryl dye crystal packings and their influence on [2 + 2] photocycloaddition reaction with single crystal retention

“…49 However, these reactions are thermal and they proceed in solution. 17,35,36,39,40 Another approach to create the "pre-organized" dimeric pair is only possible for the PCA reaction in the solid state. It is photochemically reversible, often regio-and stereoselective and it proceeds in both solution and in the solid phase.…”