Generation of Alkyl Radical through Direct Excitation of Boracene-Based Alkylborate
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Chemical Society
- Published:
- DOI:
- 10.1021/jacs.0c04456
- Affiliations:
- 5
- Authors:
- 6
Research Highlight
Illuminating new corners of photochemistry
© MirageC/Getty
A metal-catalyst-free method for capturing energy from visible light to drive the formation of complex organic molecules has been developed.
Photoredox catalysis has recently emerged as a powerful method for forming new carbon–carbon bonds from carbon free-radical intermediates. It can give ready access to complex organic structures such as those used in pharmaceuticals. However, the metal catalysts used can complicate the reaction.
Now, a team co-led by scientists at Kanazawa University has developed a metal-free method for generating the same type of carbon free-radical intermediate.
They produced an easy-to-make boron-based radical precursor that released the desired carbon radical under visible light. The radical can go on to participate in a range of new bond-forming reactions, while the boron component can be recovered and reused.
References
- Journal of the American Chemical Society 142, 9938–9943 (2020). doi: 10.1021/jacs.0c04456