Cyanine are organic dyes bearing two Aza-heterocycles linked by a polymethine chain. Excited states, fluorescence, redox activity, and energy transfer are interesting properties which have been used by chemists. Moreover, they are easily accessible and highly tunable. For all these reasons, cyanines are often selected for applications like fluorescent probes, phototherapy and photovoltaic. However, considering cyanine as a photocatalyst is a new field of investigation and has been sparsely reported in the literature. This field of research has been launched on the basis of near-infrared light photocatalysis. With a deeper NIR light penetration, the irradiation is compatible with biological tissues. Due to the longer wavelengths that are involved, the safety of operator can be guaranteed. In this perspective review, the photophysical /redox properties of cyanines are reported as well as preparations and applications in modern synthetic approaches. Finally, recent examples of cyanine based NIR-photocatalysis are discussed including photopolymerization and organic synthesis.

This article is Open Access

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