Photoswitchable molecular systems enable the external modulation of chemical reactions by light. Introducing light triggered catalysts provides opportunities for high spatial and temporal control over chemical reactions, which can facilitate the regulation of biological processes and materials performance. Hereby, we describe photochromic spiropyran functionalized poly(2-oxazoline) micelles in both aqueous media and organic solvents. A morphology change to vesicles is caused by the spiropyran transition to the more hydrophilic merocyanine upon UV irradiation. These nanostructures are further functionalized with amines or rhodium based bicyclo[2.2.2]octadienes and tested in Knoevenagel condensation or asymmetric addition reactions. The light induced morphology change allows for different kinetic trends of these model reactions.

Photoswitching in poly(2-oxazoline) nanoreactors

2019 Fall National Meeting

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