Artificial Photosynthesis: Mimicking Redox Asymmetry

Abstract

Directional light-induced electron transfer takes place in the catenane shown schematically on the right. This catenane is similar to the photosynthetic reaction center: The two chemically identical electron acceptors (rectangles) bound to a ruthenium complex as donor have different reduction potentials because their environments are of different polarity. The electron transfer proceeds preferentially (85 %) to the external acceptor.