Researchers from the Zelinsky Institute continue working on photocatalytic processes

Visible light catalysis has become a powerful method of performing chemical reactions. This approach allows the generation of free radicals under very mild conditions. In addition, the correct selection of the photocatalyst opens up additional synthetic possibilities in comparison with traditional radical transformations. Alkyl halides are actively used as radical precursors; however, their use in photoredox processes is quite problematic due to their relatively high reduction potential.

As part of the ongoing research of the Laboratory of Functional Organic Compounds of the ZIOC concerning the search for new photocatalytic transformations, an effective approach to the addition of activated alkyl chlorides to alkenes has been developed. The reaction requires an organic photocatalyst and a copper (I) complex, which are responsible for the activation of the strong carbon-chlorine bond and for the halogen transfer step respectively. It is the combination of two catalytic cycles that ensures the high efficiency of the process.

Source:

Vladislav S. Kostromitin,a,b Artem A. Zemtsov,a Vitalij V. Levin,a Alexander D. Dilman Photocatalytic Atom-Transfer Radical Addition of Activated Chlorides to Alkenes Adv. Synth. Catal. 2021, accepted manuscript. DOI: 10.1002/adsc.202101047.