Photoswitchable Ambiphilicity: Light-Gated Frustrated Lewis Pair Reactivity and Z-Type Interaction

Ambiphilic molecules, species containing both Lewis acidic and basic sites, enable a broad range of phenomena in chemistry, from frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) to supported Z-type interactions. However, the balance between their Lewis acidic and basic functions is normally fixed by molecular synthesis. Combining these features with photoswitchable architectures offers untapped potential for reversible substrate binding and control of transition metal properties. Here, we demonstrate that the incorporation of a photoswitchable Lewis acid into intramolecular phosphorus/boron Lewis pairs allows for stimuli-responsive modulation of ambiphilicity. In the context of FLP-type reactivity, both thermodynamic and kinetic control over substrate activation is achieved, culminating in the light-gated binding and release of CO₂. Implementing these ambiphiles as ligands in transition metal chemistry enables control over metal-boron Z-type interactions. Photoswitchable ambiphilicity thus provides a common light-addressable handle for controlling substrate-binding thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, and transition-metal electronic structure.