Boron-based stimuli responsive materials

Boron-based stimuli responsive systems represent an emerging class of useful materials with a wide variety of applications. Functions within these boron-doped molecules are derived from external stimuli such as light, heat, and force, which alter their intra- and/or intermolecular interactions, yielding unique electronic/photophysical or mechanical properties that can be exploited as optical probes or switchable materials. In this review, the various state-switching mechanisms of these boron-based materials will be introduced, followed by a detailed account of recent advances in the field. Emphasis will be placed on structure-property relationships and the potential applications of the stimuli-responsive boron compounds. Representative types of boron-based molecular systems that respond to external stimuli such as temperature, pressure, light, or chemicals (oxygen, acid, base etc. ) are described in this review article. The boron molecules are classified according to their operating mechanisms, with emphasis on systems, which are based on switchable boron-donor bonds and switchable excited states.