At its basic conceptualization, photoclick
chemistry embodies a
collection of click reactions that are performed via the application
of light. The emergence of this concept has had diverse impact over
a broad range of chemical and biological research due to the spatiotemporal
control, high selectivity, and excellent product yields afforded by
the combination of light and click chemistry. While the reactions
designated as âphotoclickâ have many important features
in common, each has its own particular combination of advantages and
shortcomings. A more extensive realization of the potential of this
chemistry requires a broader understanding of the physical and chemical
characteristics of the specific reactions. This review discusses the
features of the most frequently employed photoclick reactions reported
in the literature: photomediated azideâalkyne cycloadditions,
other 1,3-dipolarcycloadditions, DielsâAlder and inverse electron
demand DielsâAlder additions, radical alternating addition
chain transfer additions, and nucleophilic additions. Applications
of these reactions in a variety of chemical syntheses, materials chemistry,
and biological contexts are surveyed, with particular attention paid
to the respective strengths and limitations of each reaction and how
that reaction benefits from its combination with light. Finally, challenges
to broader employment of these reactions are discussed, along with
strategies and opportunities to mitigate such obstacles.