BODIPY-Based Photoacid Generators for Light-Induced Cationic Polymerization

Photoacid generators (PAGs) are organic compounds that can generate protons (H+) upon irradiation with certain wavelengths of light. In this work, we designed and synthesized the first BODIPY-based PAGs with D-A and D-pi-A conjugation structures and achieved green and red LED light-induced acid generation. By the use of red-light absorbance, red-LED-triggered cationic polymerization was demonstrated as a proof-of-concept application of these PAGs.