Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence (TADF) Compounds as Photocatalyst in Organic Synthesis: A Metal-Free Greener Approach

Abstract

Thermally activated delayed fluorescent (TADF) molecules undergo efficient intersystem crossing (ISC) and reverse intersystem crossing (RISC) processes, making them as third-generation emitters in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), photodynamic therapy (PDT) and time-resolved luminescence imaging. Apart from these applications, recently, TADF molecules have been used extensively as photocatalysts in light-mediated synthesis. In general, highly expensive complexes of Rh, Ir, Ru and organic dyes (Eosin Y, Rose Bengal, 9-mesityl-10-methylacridinium perchlorate [Acr-Mes]+ClO4−) are commonly used in the photocatalysis process. Organic-TADF based molecules help to avoid these costly metal catalysts and frequently used organic dyes, making the reaction economical and greener. This chapter will briefly summarize the photocatalytic properties of organic-TADF compounds in organic synthesis.