A photoresponsive gold catalyst based on azobenzene-functionalized NHC ligands

An azobenzene-bearing N-heterocyclic carbene-based gold catalyst is reported of which the reactivity in a cyclization reaction depends on the isomeric state of the azobenzene. The configurations of the catalyst can be reversibly switched by light and are stable during the reaction, effectively leading to a switchable catalyst system.

Automated summary

This article reports on a gold catalyst based on azobenzene-bearing N-heterocyclic carbene, whose reactivity in a cyclization reaction is dependent on the isomeric state of the azobenzene. The configurations of the catalyst can be reversibly switched by light and remain stable during the reaction, effectively leading to a switchable catalyst system.