Shining light on supramolecular assemblies

Abstract

The organizational effect induced by noncovalent interactions such as hydrogen-bonding (H-B) and metal ion complexation on photoinduced processes is discussed. These include the intermolecular photodimerization of cinnamates, which is shown to occur under topochemical control within the supramolecular assemblies, and the intramolecular photodimerization of a bis-anthracene receptor where photoregulation of the recognition event is achieved. Progress in using supramolecular interactions toward the preparation of assemblies promoting charge separation and charge transport in all-organic photovoltaic devices rests on the preparation of materials that are adapted to the requirements of solid-state devices.