title: Photoswitchable NHC-promoted ring-opening polymerizations.
abstract: The UV-induced photocyclization of a dithienylethene-annulated N-heterocyclic carbene precatalyst enabled photoswitchable ring-opening polymerizations of ε-caprolactone and δ-valerolactone. The polymerizations proceeded efficiently in ambient light, however UV irradiation attenuated the reaction rate (k(amb)/k(UV) = 59). Subsequent visible light exposure reversed the photocyclization and restored catalytic activity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712, USA.
authors.forename: Bethany M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Neilson
authors.forename: Christopher W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Bielawski