Upgrading Cyanines dyes: Non-Kekulé ketocyanines and related patterns

2026-07-22

The scientific goal of KETOCYAN is to renew classical nitrogen-containing polymethine dyes, so-called cyanines, and transform them into suitable tools for tackling the modern challenges of photoredox chemistry. The flagships for the proposed molecular patterns are unusual “non-Kelulé” diradicaloids. In principle their exotic topology must result in remarkable properties, including near-IR absorption, redox activity, enhanced photo-stability, etc. However, the unusual structures have also long been regarded as non-viable synthetic targets. This traditional belief has been challenged by recent reports and preliminary results of the host team. The project intend to capitalize on this paradigm shift, to develop synthetic methodologies, to study the novel organic functionalities, up to the design of original families of diradicaloid redox-active organic dyes. The fellow, Eder Tomas-Mendivil, is a seasoned synthetic chemist with solid track record and expertise in organometallic and organic chemistry, including the design and synthesis of unusual and/or reactive compounds. The host laboratory, the academic environment and the infrastructures at Université Grenoble Alpes will provide complementary training and experience, including in electrochemistry, photophysics, DFT calculation or study of radicals, but also in research management and communication. Overall this action will provide the fellow for outstanding career development opportunities, with a focus on academia.

France

2026-02-15