Catalyst free visible light induced cycloaddition as an avenue for polymer ligation

The current study introduces a tetrazole species able to perform a rapid, visible light induced nitrile imine-mediated tetrazole-ene cycloaddition (NITEC). Full conversion of the tetrazole species under mild, catalyst free conditions is reported. Importantly, the visible light ligation technology is applied as a method for the modification and ligation of polymers featuring the rapid, clean and exclusive formation of the desired cycloadduct.