The catalytic Z to E isomerization of stilbenes in a photosensitizing porous coordination network

Abstract

(Figure Presented) One way only: The Z → E photoisomerization of stilbene under visible light occurs within a porous coordination network (see picture). The reaction proceeds through the photoexcitation of a chargetransfer complex between the highly elec-tron-deficient ligand and the stilbene in the pore. The in situ formed E isomer rapidly exchanges with unreacted Z isomer in solution, hence a catalytic amount of the network is sufficient to promote the reaction. © 2010 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.