Accessible triplet excited states in the photoisomerization of allenes with extended conjugation.

A series of bidentate allene- and enyne-containing ligands have been synthesized and the photochemical properties of their rhenium(I) complexes have been studied. These complexes exhibit facile isomerization of the conjugated double bonds upon ambient light exposure. Simulations unveiled a very efficient intersystem crossing and the consequent key role of the triplet states in the observed photochemistry of these substrates upon rhenium(I) complexation.

Photochemically Driven Tandem Process in the Construction of a Biscyclopropylcage from 2,5-Dimethoxy-p-benzoquinone and Terminal Acetylenes.

A photochemical two-step one-pot synthesis of novel biscyclopropyl-box-shaped compounds via the reaction of 2,5-dimethoxy-para-benzoquinone and monosubstituted alkynes is reported. The reaction mechanism for a process in which six new C-C bonds are formed is explored by means of experimental and computational techniques. The whole process occurs with complete selectivity, and only one densely decorated diastereomer is obtained; such a degree of control and substitution makes for a rather powerful and complexity-building process.

Double Protonation of a cis-Bipyridoallenophane Detected via Chiral-Sensing Switch: The Role of Ion Pairs.

We prove that the confinement of the conformational space of pyridoallenophanes leads to intense chiroptical responses. Unlike the cyclic dimer [142], single-conformation [141]pyridoallenophanes isomerize under thermal and photochemical conditions. Yet, less-strained [141]-bipyridoallenophanes are stable and are prepared successfully. They, unexpectedly, undergo double protonation as a result of cooperative ion-pairing and hydrogen bonding. The complex formation forces a single configuration of the axis connecting both pyridyl rings recognized by a diagnostic circular dichroism (CD) signal at 330 nm.