Wavelength-Gated Dynamic Covalent Chemistry

Chemical reactions are classically controlled by the judicious choice of functional groups as well as external factors such as temperature and catalysts. However, the use of light-induced reactions not only offers precise temporal and spatial control, but critically allows highly specific reaction channels to be selectively addressed through wavelength and intensity, thereby enabling targeted covalent bonds to be made and broken. Photoreversible cycloadditions are the most promising candidates to seize the outlined potential upon selective cyclization and cycloreversion, but are today still far from fulfilling these expectations. The current Minireview critically explores the current challenges in the application of photoreversible cycloadditions and discusses the steps necessary to realize their potential in molecular biology, biomimetic systems, 3D laser lithographic processes, and advanced soft matter materials with reprogrammable and self-healing properties.