Heterogeneous copper photocatalysis for production of diverse bioactive compounds

March 04, 2024

Professor Jian He, from the Department of Chemistry at The University of Hong Kong (HKU), has spearheaded a research endeavor aimed at revolutionizing organic synthesis. His research team has successfully developed a novel heterogeneous copper photocatalyst that enables the efficient formation of cyclobutane rings, a crucial structural element in a vast array of bioactive molecules.

Cyclobutane rings are prominently featured in pharmaceuticals, natural products, and various biologically active compounds. By enabling researchers to construct these rings easily and selectively, Professor He's team has unlocked greater control over the synthesis of these vital molecules. The research findings have recently been published in Nature Catalysis.

In recent two decades, visible-light photocatalysts have been employed to drive such transformations through photochemical [2+2] cycloadditions; however, their substrate scope has been limited.Addressing these limitations head-on, Professor He and his team have developed an innovative heterogeneous copper photocatalyst. This catalyst effectively facilitates energy-transfer processes for a range of intermolecular crossed [2+2] cycloadditions, including those previously inaccessible in conventional homogeneous photocatalysis. This new reaction system has excellent catalyst stability and recyclability, and it does not rely on precious metals, making it more economically and environmentally sustainable.

From:Phys.org