A Future Perspective on Phototriggered Isomerizations of Transition Metal Sulfoxides and Related Complexes

Photochromic molecules are examples of light-activated bistable molecules. We highlight the design criteria for a class of ruthenium and osmium sulfoxide complexes that undergo phototriggered isomerization of the bound sulfoxide. The mode of action in these complexes is an excited-state isomerization of the sulfoxide from S-bonded to O-bonded. We discuss the basic mechanism for this transformation and highlight specific examples that demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the isomerization. We subsequently discuss future research directions within the field of phototriggered sulfoxide isomerizations on transition metal polypyridine complexes. These efforts involve new synthetic directions, including the choice of metal as well as new ambidentate ligands for isomerization.

Automated summary

Photochromic molecules are a type of light-activated bistable molecules, and the design criteria highlight a class of ruthenium and osmium sulfoxide complexes that undergo phototriggered isomerization. The mode of action involves an excited-state isomerization of the sulfoxide from S-bonded to O-bonded. Specific examples are discussed to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the isomerization. Future research directions include exploring new synthetic methods and materials for isomerization in transition metal polypyridine complexes.