Without any doubt, N-oxides are used in asymmetric organocatalysis, but also their applications in different branches of science are of great importance. They have significant synthetic value as intermediates in multi-step syntheses. They are widely used to various functionalization of
N-heteroaromatic compounds-this mainly concerns the C-H bond in position 2. The examples of the application of
N-oxides as synthetic intermediates in the industrial synthesis of some pharmaceuticals are also described, e.g., pranoprofen or omeprazole
[70][42]. Compounds containing in their structure the 2-mercaptopyridine-
N-oxide moiety have anti-cancer, bactericidal, and fungicidal activity
[71,72][43][44].
N-oxides are also a crucial component in personal care products such as soaps, toothpaste, washing agents, shampoos and cosmetics
[73][45]. Interesting properties of the
N-O bond caused that N-oxides are used also in materials engineering. They consist of a wide group of polymer additives, e.g., crosslinkers, vulcanization accelerators, epoxy resin hardeners, UV absorbers or additives for stereospecific polymerization of polypropylene
[74][46]. The most attention is focused on polymers with
N-oxide groups e.g., hyperbranched polyimide
N-oxide, which is used as photocatalyst
[75][47]. Their greatest advantages, in comparison to photocatalysts based on inorganic compounds, are easy and cost-efficient synthesis and, particularly, the possibility of visible light absorption without the necessity of structural modifications. Another example of the photocatalyst is light crosslinked polymers, based on triazine
N-oxide fragment. It has been shown that they are effective photocatalysts, causing degradation of methyl orange, an azo dye employed as a pH indicator
[76][48]. Most dyes have a very stable structure, which makes their degradation especially difficult and uncontrolled entry of these compounds into water affects flora and fauna. In the case of water reservoirs where there is no flow of water, it might cause eutrophication.
N-oxides are also used in coordination polymers, among which semiconductor luminescent materials with tunable luminescence are sought. This type of material can be applied in lighting and displays, as well as in-memory devices and sensors. As an example can be mentioned coordination polymers with symmetric and unsymmetrical ligands-4,4′- and 2,2′-bipyridine
N,
N’-dioxides and
N-oxides
[77][49]. Recent reports concern also pH-responsive polystyrene-b-poly(4-vinylpyridine-
N-oxide) membranes
[78][50] and the possibility of applying the coatings from a solution of cellulose-
N-methylmorpholine-
N-oxide to paper
[79][51]. In the first case, at low pH the pores open (the solution flow increases), and at high pH, the pores close (the solution flow is reduced). The membrane is synthesized by oxidation of polystyrene-b-poly(4-vinylpyridine), which shows an inverse pH response and the presence of both forms in membrane opens up an attractive way for pH-based separations
[78][50]. In other cases, depending on the composition of the coating and whether is it continuous or porous, it is possible to improve the tear strength, print quality as well as the adhesive or antibacterial properties of the paper. It also affects fire resistance, thermal and electrical conductivity, and the friction coefficient.