Systematic studies of structural variations in terarylene photohydride generators

Abstract We here report a systematic study of structural and conformational variations in a series of terarylene molecules designed for use as photohydride generators. This family of compounds have been shown to facilitate self-contained hydride release, without the need for external sources of hydrogen in a manner analogous to previously reported photoacid generators. A systematic analysis has been carried out on the effects of minor structural changes on each of the three key constituent parts of the core terarylene framework. Through UV–vis, NMR, Mass Spectrometry and quantum photon counting methods, the effect of these changes in each part of the framework on hydride release efficiencies have been established. Based upon this detailed NMR and conformational DFT analysis have been carried out to quantify the yields of hydride release and to establish optimal structural motifs within the design of the photogenerator to maximize hydride release efficiencies.