Donor–acceptor fluorophores as efficient energy transfer photocatalysts for [2 + 2] photodimerization

Abstract

Mild [2 + 2] photodimerization of enone substrates was induced by donor–acceptor fluorophores. Enone substrates were activated efficiently for anti-head to head dimerizations with a high yield (up to 83%) and high selectivity. The adjustable excited state potential also allows donor–acceptor fluorophores to be used for isomerization of the above substrates, confirming the potential of donor–acceptor fluorophores as energy transfer photocatalysts.