Seminar Abstract:

Organic photoredox catalysis harnesses light to access unique and valuable chemical transformations. A major challenge in this field is the ability to control the photophysical behavior of photocatalysts (PCs), in part due to irreversible photodegradation which leads to decreased reaction efficiency. These reactions are also limited by the redox properties of the catalyst, and whether the rate of productive electron transfer (ET) can compete with undesirable charge recombination (CR) of the reactive intermediates. Therefore, finding methods to increase productive ET while avoiding PC degradation is highly desirable. Structural alteration and solvent effects introduce energy-, cost-, and time-intensive bottom-up design of new catalysts, coupled with a lack of infrastructure to accurately predict the full scope of their subsequent properties. Herein, I propose the utilization of molecular hosts to encapsulate PCs, preventing photodegradation through steric bulk, without impacting their inherent properties. Ternary binding complexes will also be designed to enhance reaction efficiency by reducing the propensity for CR and promoting ET. This method will evade time-intensive catalyst design and expand the applications of highly reactive PC complexes with preserved or improved photophysical properties.