Photoprocesses of Relevance to Supramolecular Chemistry

Abstract This contribution focuses exclusively on the application of photophysical methods that can be applied toward signaling a variety of supramolecular chemistry events using examples from the recent literature. It is not intended to be comprehensive but rather to illustrate how specific photo techniques can be used to glean insight into supramolecular phenomena. Given the widespread availability of fluorescence technologies worldwide, the current study reflects its dominant usage in supramolecular chemistry while exemplifying a range of techniques within the discipline. Nondestructive transient absorption spectroscopy is also discussed in light of how it can be utilized in conjunction with supramolecular photochemistry, specifically in the identification of intermediates that cannot be interrogated otherwise. Relevant aspects of molecular photochemistry and photophysics are briefly introduced below and developed further where necessary. Given the number of comprehensive reviews in the general area of supramolecular photochemistry and photophysics, we attempt to highlight only recent examples using a conceptual framework most relevant to the authors of this contribution, largely involving combinations of metal‐ and organic‐based chromophores.