Photochemical reactions as key steps in organic synthesis

Studies on the applications of photochemical reactions to organic synthesis is a highly dynamic research field since it involves almost all domains of organic synthesis. Photochemistry frequently provides solutions to problems which are challenging to solve with ground-state reactions. This finding results from significant differences between two reaction modes. Photochemical excitation considerably modifies the electron configuration and consequently the chemical nature of a molecule. On one hand, the traditionally strong interaction existing between different disciplines of photochemistry and with physical chemistry or physics, enables a high level of characterization and understanding of the reactions. These circumstances support their optimization and application in different fields. In addition, organic photochemistry also establishes interdisciplinary links between organic chemistry and biology and other research domains such as material science, supramolecular chemistry or nanoscience.