Synthesis of Pyrrole-Based Photothermal Transformation Hollow Nanospheres for Controlling-Catalysis of Diels–Alder Reactions

Herein, we have designed Pyrrole-based hypercrosslinked hollow nanosphere reactors (Ppy-HHNRs) qualified for confining near-infrared light inside the hollow spheres and for optical monitoring of the process of thermal activation reactions. The wall of the hollow nanospheres consists of pyrrole with strong adsorption at near-infrared light as well as high photothermal conversion, and styrene 1 to 1 equivalent composition. In order to demonstrate the photothermal conversion effect of the nanoreactors, a thermally driven Diels–Alder cycloaddition reaction has been conducted in the interiors of the hollow nanospheres. Subsequently, it is found that the thermally driven Diels–Alder reaction can take place in the cavities of the nanospheres stimulated by near-infrared light reflected multiple times inside, but the temperature of the solvent system outside increases slightly. And further research shows that the process of thermally driven Diels–Alder reaction can be controlled by turning near-infrared light on or off.