Studies in organic and physical photochemistry - an interdisciplinary approach

Modular alkene synthesis from carboxylic acids, alcohols and alkanes via integrated photocatalysis

Alkenes serve as versatile building blocks in diverse organic transformations. Despite notable advancements in olefination methods, a general strategy for the direct conversion of carboxylic acids, alcohols and alkanes into alkenes remains a formidable challenge owing to their inherent reactivity disparities. Here we demonstrate an integrated photochemical strategy that facilitates a one-pot conversion of these fundamental building blocks into alkenes through a sequential C(sp3)-C(sp3) bond formation-fragmentation process, utilizing an easily accessible and recyclable phenyl vinyl ketone as the 'olefination reagent'. This practical method not only offers an unparalleled paradigm for accessing value-added alkenes from abundant and inexpensive starting materials but also showcases its versatility through various complex scenarios, including late-stage on-demand olefination of multifunctional molecules, chain homologation of acids and concise syntheses of bioactive molecules. Moreover, initiating from carboxylic acids, alcohols and alkanes, this protocol presents a complementary approach to traditional olefination methods, making it a highly valuable addition to the research toolkit for alkene synthesis.

Triplet Energy Transfer (EnT)-Promoted 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition Reactions of N-(Trimethylsilyl)methylphthalimide with Electron-Deficient Alkynes and Alkenes

Triplet energy transfer (EnT)-promoted photochemical pathways, arisen by visible light and its photosensitizers, have gained significant attention as a complementary strategy for initiating organic transformations in photochemical reactions that are unlikely to occur through a single electron transfer (SET) process. In the present study, we investigated the triplet EnT-promoted 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions of N-(trimethylsilyl)methylphthalimide with electron-deficient alkynyl and alkenyl dipolarophiles. The triplet excited state of N-(trimethylsilyl)methylphthalimide, promoted by the triplet EnT from thioxanthone (TXA) photosensitizer, underwent sequential intramolecular SET and carbon-to-oxygen migration of the silyl group to form azomethine ylide. This generated ylide cycloadded to alkynes or alkenes to regioselectively and stereospecifically produce a nitrogen-containing benzopyrrolizidine scaffold with multiple stereogenic centers. Crucially, the stereoselectivity of these cycloaddition reactions (i.e., endo versus exo addition) was influenced by the nature of the dipolarophiles.

Photochemical Skeletal Editing of Pyridines to Bicyclic Pyrazolines and Pyrazoles

We present an efficient one-pot photochemical skeletal editing protocol for the transformation of pyridines into diverse bicyclic pyrazolines and pyrazoles under mild conditions. The method requires no metals, photocatalysts, or additives and allows for the selective removal of specific carbon atoms from pyridines, allowing for unprecedented versatility. Our approach offers a convenient and efficient means for the late-stage modification of complex drug molecules by replacing the core pyridine skeleton. Moreover, we have successfully scaled up this procedure in stop-flow and flow-chemistry systems, showcasing its applicability to intricate transformations such as the Diels-Alder reaction, hydrogenation, [3 + 2] cycloaddition, and Heck reaction. Through control experiments and DFT calculations, we provide insights into the mechanistic underpinnings of this skeletal editing protocol.

Photocatalytic systems: reactions, mechanism, and applications

The photocatalytic field revolves around the utilization of photon energy to initiate various chemical reactions using non-adsorbing substrates, through processes such as single electron transfer, energy transfer, or atom transfer. The efficiency of this field depends on the capacity of a light-absorbing metal complex, organic molecule, or substance (commonly referred to as photocatalysts or PCs) to execute these processes. Photoredox techniques utilize photocatalysts, which possess the essential characteristic of functioning as both an oxidizing and a reducing agent upon activation. In addition, it is commonly observed that photocatalysts exhibit optimal performance when irradiated with low-energy light sources, while still retaining their catalytic activity under ambient temperatures. The implementation of photoredox catalysis has resuscitated an array of synthesis realms, including but not limited to radical chemistry and photochemistry, ultimately affording prospects for the development of the reactions. Also, photoredox catalysis is utilized to resolve numerous challenges encountered in medicinal chemistry, as well as natural product synthesis. Moreover, its applications extend across diverse domains encompassing organic chemistry and catalysis. The significance of photoredox catalysts is rooted in their utilization across various fields, including biomedicine, environmental pollution management, and water purification. Of course, recently, research has evaluated photocatalysts in terms of cost, recyclability, and pollution of some photocatalysts and dyes from an environmental point of view. According to these new studies, there is a need for critical studies and reviews on photocatalysts and photocatalytic processes to provide a solution to reduce these limitations. As a future perspective for research on photocatalysts, it is necessary to put the goals of researchers on studies to overcome the limitations of the application and efficiency of photocatalysts to promote their use on a large scale for the development of industrial activities. Given the significant implications of the subject matter, this review seeks to delve into the fundamental tenets of the photocatalyst domain and its associated practical use cases. This review endeavors to demonstrate the prospective of a powerful tool known as photochemical catalysis and elucidate its underlying tenets. Additionally, another goal of this review is to expound upon the various applications of photocatalysts.

Tropospheric Photochemistry of 2-Butenedial: Role of the Triplet States, CO and Acrolein Formation, and the Experimentally Unidentified Carbonyl Compound-Theoretical Study

Solar irradiation of 2-butenedial in the lower troposphere mainly produces isomeric ketene-enol (a key intermediate product), furanones, and maleic anhydride, the formation pathways of which were investigated in a previous study. The other main products were carbon monoxide and an experimentally unidentified carbonyl compound. This was the subject of the present study. The oxidative reaction mechanisms were studied using DFT calculations. Water intervention is found essential. Its addition and subsequent water-assisted isomerizations (an ene-gem-diol/enol and a carboxylic acid/enol form), followed by cyclization, lead to an interesting cyclic carbonyl compound, but this pathway appears to be rather energy demanding. An alternative implies water cooperation in a ketene-enol + carboxylic acid/enol addition that gives the relevant anhydride. The anhydride is proposed as a candidate for the experimentally unidentified carbonyl product. Regarding CO and acrolein formation, the role of the triplet states, as defined by the probability of intersystem crossing from the excited singlet state S1 to T2 and T1, is discussed. The T1 photolysis pathway connecting butenedial to propenal + CO was then defined.

Biomimetic design of an α-ketoacylphosphonium-based light-activated oxygenation auxiliary

The biomimetic design of a transition metal complex based on the iron(iv)-oxo porphyrin π-cation radical species in cytochrome P450 enzymes has been studied extensively. Herein, we translate the functions of this iron(iv)-oxo porphyrin π-cation radical species to an α-ketoacyl phosphonium species comprised of non-metal atoms and utilize it as a light-activated oxygenation auxiliary for ortho-selective oxygenation of anilines. Visible light irradiation converts the α-ketoacyl phosphonium species to the excited state, which acts as a transiently generated oxidant. The intramolecular nature of the process ensures high regioselectivity and chemoselectivity. The auxiliary is easily removable. A one-pot protocol is also described.

Oxetane Synthesis via Alcohol C-H Functionalization

Oxetanes are strained heterocycles with unique properties that have triggered significant advances in medicinal chemistry. However, their synthesis still presents significant challenges that limit the use of this class of compounds in practical applications. In this Letter, we present a methodology that introduces a new synthetic disconnection to access oxetanes from native alcohol substrates. The generality of the approach is demonstrated by the application in late-stage functionalization chemistry, which is further exploited to develop a single-step synthesis of a known bioactive synthetic steroid derivative that previously required at least four synthetic steps from available precursors.

Unusually Chemoselective Photocyclization of 2-(Hydroxyimino)aldehydes to Cyclobutanol Oximes: Synthetic, Stereochemical, and Mechanistic Aspects

Photocyclization of carbonyl compounds (known as the Norrish-Yang reaction) to yield cyclobutanols is, in general, accompanied by fragmentation reactions. The latter are predominant in the case of aldehydes so that secondary cyclobutanols are not considered accessible via the straightforward Norrish-Yang reaction. A noteworthy exception has been reported in our laboratory, where cyclobutanols bearing a secondary alcohol function were observed upon UV light irradiation of 2-(hydroxyimino)aldehydes (HIAs). This reaction is here investigated in detail by combining synthesis, spectroscopic data, molecular dynamics, and DFT calculations. The synthetic methodology is generally applicable to a series of HIAs, affording the corresponding cyclobutanol oximes (CBOs) chemoselectively (i.e., without sizable fragmentation side-reactions), diastereoselectively (up to >99:1), and in good to excellent yields (up to 95%). CBO oxime ether derivatives can be purified and diastereomers isolated by standard column chromatography. The mechanistic and stereochemical picture of this photocyclization reaction, as well as of the postcyclization E/Z isomerization of the oxime double bond is completed.

Radical generation enabled by photoinduced N-O bond fragmentation

Recent advances in synthetic chemistry have seen a resurgence in the development of methods for visible light-mediated radical generation. Herein, we report the development of a photoactive ester based on a quinoline N-oxide core structure, that provides a strong oxidant in its excited state. The heteroaromatic N-oxide provides access to primary, secondary, and tertiary radical intermediates, and its application toward the development of a photochemical Minisci alkylation is reported.

Enhanced thermal and photo-stability of a para-substituted dicumyl ketone intercalated in a layered double hydroxide

A ketodiacid, 4,4′-dicarboxylate-dicumyl ketone (3), has been intercalated into a Zn, Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) by a coprecipitation synthesis strategy. The structure and chemical composition of the resultant hybrid material (LDH-KDA3) were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), FT-IR, FT-Raman and solid-state 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopies, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and elemental analysis (CHN). PXRD showed that the dicarboxylate guest molecules assembled into a monolayer to give a basal spacing of 18.0 Å. TGA revealed that the organic guest starts to decompose at a significantly higher temperature (ca. 330°C) than that determined for the free ketodiacid (ca. 230°C). Photochemical experiments were performed to probe the photoreactivity of the ketoacid in the crystalline state, in solution, and as a guest embedded within the photochemically-inert LDH host. Irradiation of the bulk crystalline ketoacid results in photodecarbonylation and the exclusive formation of the radical-radical combination product. Solution studies employing the standard myoglobin (Mb) assay for quantification of released CO showed that the ketoacid behaved as a photoactivatable CO-releasing molecule for transfer of CO to heme proteins, although the photoreactivity was low. No photoinduced release of CO was found for the LDH system, indicating that molecular confinement enhanced the photo-stability of the hexasubstituted ketone. To better understand the behavior of 3 under irradiation, a more comprehensive study, involving excitation of this compound in DMSO-d6 followed by 1H NMR, UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, was undertaken and further rationalized with the help of time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) electronic quantum calculations. The photophysical study showed the formation of a less emissive compound (or compounds). New signals in the 1H NMR spectra were attributed to photoproducts obtained via Norrish type I α-cleavage decarbonylation and Norrish type II (followed by CH3 migration) pathways. TDDFT calculations predicted that the formation of a keto-enol system (via a CH3 migration step in the type II pathway) was highly favorable and consistent with the observed spectral data.

NickelII-catalyzed asymmetric photoenolization/Mannich reaction of (2-alkylphenyl) ketones

A diastereo- and enantioselective photoenolization/Mannich (PEM) reaction of ortho-alkyl aromatic ketones with benzosulfonimides was established by utilizing a chiral N,N'-dioxide/Ni(OTf)2 complex as the Lewis acid catalyst. It afforded a series of benzosulfonamides and the corresponding ring-closure products, and a reversal of diastereoselectivity was observed through epimerization of the benzosulfonamide products under continuous irradiation. On the basis of the control experiments, the role of the additive LiNTf2 in achieving high stereoselectivity was elucidated. This PEM reaction was proposed to undergo a direct nucleophilic addition mechanism rather than a hetero-Diels-Alder/ring-opening sequence. A possible transition state model with a photoenolization process was proposed to explain the origin of the high level of stereoinduction.

Synthesis and Investigation of Flavanone Derivatives as Potential New Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Flavonoids are polyphenols with broad known pharmacological properties. A series of 2,3-dihydroflavanone derivatives were thus synthesized and investigated for their anti-inflammatory activities. The target flavanones were prepared through cyclization of 2'-hydroxychalcone derivatives, the later obtained by Claisen-Schmidt condensation. Since nitric oxide (NO) represents an important inflammatory mediator, the effects of various flavanones on the NO production in the LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage were assessed in vitro using the Griess test. The most active compounds were flavanone (4G), 2'-carboxy-5,7-dimethoxy-flavanone (4F), 4'-bromo-5,7-dimethoxy-flavanone (4D), and 2'-carboxyflavanone (4J), with IC50 values of 0.603, 0.906, 1.030, and 1.830 µg/mL, respectively. In comparison, pinocembrin achieved an IC₅₀ value of 203.60 µg/mL. Thus, the derivatives synthesized in this work had a higher NO inhibition capacity compared to pinocembrin, demonstrating the importance of pharmacomodulation to improve the biological potential of natural molecules. SARs suggested that the use of a carboxyl-group in the meta-position of the B-ring increases biological activity, whereas compounds carrying halogen substituents in the para-position were less active. The addition of methoxy-groups in the meta-position of the A-ring somewhat decreased the activity. This study successfully identified new bioactive flavanones as promising candidates for the development of new anti-inflammatory agents.

A Vinylogous Norrish Reaction as a Strategy for Light-Mediated Ring Expansion

The reactions of bicyclic divinyl ketones display wavelength-dependent changes in product formation. UV irradiation results in the formation of competitive [6,3,5] and [7,3,5] tricyclic unsaturated ketones that subsequently undergo ring...

Enantioselective synthesis of heterocyclic compounds using photochemical reactions

Different methods for the direct enantioselective photochemical synthesis of heterocycles are presented. Currently, asymmetric catalysis with templates involving hydrogen bonds or metal complexes is intensively investigated. Enzyme catalysis can be simplified under photochemical conditions. For example, in multi enzyme systems, one or more enzyme catalytic steps can be replaced by simple photochemical reactions. Chiral induction in photochemical reactions performed with homochiral crystals is highly efficient. Such reactions can also be carried out with crystalline inclusion complexes. Inclusion of a photochemical substrate and an enantiopure compound in zeolites also leads to enantioselective compounds. In all these methods, the conformational mobility of the photochemical substrates is reduced or controlled. Memory of chirality is a particular case in which a chiral information is temporally lost but the rigid conformations stabilize the molecular structure which leads to the formation of enantiopure compounds. Such studies allows a profound understanding on how particular conformations determine the configuration of the final products.Graphical abstract.

Studies on The Application of The Paternò-Büchi Reaction to The Synthesis of Novel Fluorinated Scaffolds

In the context of new scaffolds obtained by photochemical reactions, Paternò-Büchi reactions between heteroaromatic, trifluoromethylphenyl ketone and electron rich alkenes to give oxetanes are described. A comprehensive study has then been carried out on the reaction of aromatic ketones with fluorinated alkenes. Depending on the substitution pattern at the oxetane ring, a metathesis reaction is described as a minor side process to give mono fluorinated alkenes. Overall, this last reaction corresponds to a photo-Wittig reaction and yield amid isosteres. In order to explain the uncommon regioselectivity of the Paternò-Büchi reaction with these alkenes, electrostatic-potential derived charges (ESP) have been determined. In a second computational study, the relative stabilities of the typical 1,4-diradical intermediates of the Paternò-Büchi reaction have been determined. The results well explain the regioselectivity. Further transformations of the oxetanes or previous functionalization of the fluoroalkenes open perspectives for oxetanes as core structures for biologically active compounds.

Trends of High-Impact Studies in Pharmacology and Pharmacy: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: To investigate the trends of high-impact studies in pharmacology and pharmacy research and to provide evidence for future research in the field of pharmacology and pharmacy.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed to understand the current status of high-impact studies (top 1%) in pharmacology and pharmacy research via InCites tool based on Web of Science Core Collection. VOSViewer software was used to visualize the results. The outcomes included development trends, countries, subject areas, research institutes, collaborative networks, and subject terms.

Results: We found 4,273 high-impact (top 1%) studies between 2011 and 2020 in the field of pharmacology and pharmacy. The number of studies increased from 366 in 2011 to 510 in 2020. These studies were mainly distributed in the following Web of Science subject categories: pharmacology and pharmacy (n = 4,188); neurosciences (n = 397); chemistry, multidisciplinary (n = 359); chemistry, medicinal (n = 314); microbiology (n = 301); biotechnology and applied microbiology (n = 280). These studies were cited in 646,855 studies from more than 100 Web of Science subject categories, and studies in pharmacology pharmacy accounted for the largest share of these citations. The top three countries that contributed the highest number of studies were the United States, United Kingdom, and China. The top three institutions that contributed the highest number of studies in the United States were the University of California System, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Harvard University. The top research collaborative circle was from universities in the United States. The top international collaborative circle was from universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and China. The subject-term analysis indicated that cancer was still the top disease, NF-κB was the top signaling pathway, and drug-delivery and nanoparticles were the top methods.

Conclusion: The high-impact studies in pharmacology and pharmacy research have grown over time. The United States, the United Kingdom, and China are the top countries that contributed the high-impact studies. Cancer is still the greatest challenge in the field of disease treatment. It calls for more international collaboration in pharmacology and pharmacy research, which will help discover novel drugs.

Sequential Norrish-Yang Cyclization and C-C Cleavage/Cross-Coupling of a [4.1.0] Fused Saturated Azacycle

Methods that functionalize the periphery of azacylic scaffolds have garnered increasing interest in recent years. Herein, we investigate the selectivity of a solid-state Norrish-Yang cyclization (NYC) and subsequent C-C cleavage/cross-coupling reaction of a strained cyclopropane-fused azacyclic system. Surprisingly, the NYC primarily furnished a single lactam constitutional and diastereo-isomer. The regioselectivity of the C-C cleavage of the α-hydroxy-β-lactam moiety could be varied by altering the ligand set used in the coupling chemistry. Experimental and computational observations are discussed.

Photomediated ring contraction of saturated heterocycles

Saturated heterocycles are found in numerous therapeutics and bioactive natural products and are abundant in many medicinal and agrochemical compound libraries. To access new chemical space and function, many methods for functionalization on the periphery of these structures have been developed. Comparatively fewer methods are known for restructuring their core framework. Herein, we describe a visible light-mediated ring contraction of α-acylated saturated heterocycles. This unconventional transformation is orthogonal to traditional ring contractions, challenging the paradigm for diversification of heterocycles including piperidine, morpholine, thiane, tetrahydropyran, and tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives. The success of this Norrish type II variant rests on reactivity differences between photoreactive ketone groups in specific chemical environments. This strategy was applied to late-stage remodeling of pharmaceutical derivatives, peptides, and sugars.

Photoresponsive transformation from spherical to nanotubular assemblies: anticancer drug delivery using macrocyclic cationic gemini amphiphiles

We developed NIR-light-responsive macrocyclic cationic gemini amphiphiles, one of which displayed various favorable properties of lipids. The NIR-light-mediated cleavage of the strained dioxacycloundecine ring led to the conversion of the spherical to a nanotubular self-assembly in the aqueous medium. This photo-mediated transformation from the spherical to nanotubular self-assembly resulted in the release of encapsulated hydrophobic anticancer drug molecule doxorubicin (Dox) in a controlled manner. The potent cationic gemini amphiphile also displayed lower cytotoxicity and efficient NIR-light-mediated Dox release efficacy to cancerous cells.

Solar Photooxygenations for the Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals-Technologies and Applications

Photooxygenation reactions involving singlet oxygen (1O2) are utilized industrially as a mild and sustainable access to oxygenated products. Due to the usage of organic dyes as photosensitizers, these transformations can be successfully conducted using natural sunlight. Modern solar chemical reactors enable outdoor operations on the demonstration (multigram) to technical (multikilogram) scales and have subsequently been employed for the manufacturing of fine chemicals such as fragrances or biologically active compounds. This review will highlight examples of solar photooxygenations for the manufacturing of industrially relevant target compounds and will discuss current challenges and opportunities of this sustainable methodology.

Unlocking the Synthetic Potential of Light-Excited Aryl Ketones: Applications in Direct Photochemistry and Photoredox Catalysis

In this Account, we summarize the contributions of our group to the field of photochemistry and photocatalysis. Our work deals with the development of novel synthetic methods based on the exploitation of photoexcited aryl ketones. The application of new technologies, such as microfluidic photoreactors (MFPs), has enhanced the synthetic performance and scalability of several photochemical methods, e.g., Paternò–Büchi and photoenolization/Diels–Alder processes, while opening the way to unprecedented reactivity. In addition, careful mechanistic analysis of the developed methods has been instrumental in disclosing a new family of powerful organic photocatalysts that can mediate several thermodynamically extreme photoredox processes.

1 Introduction

1.1 Shining Light on Aryl Ketones: From the Historical Background to Recent Synthetic Applications

1.2 Preliminary Mechanistic Considerations

2 Synthetic Transformations Driven by Triplet State Benzophenones

3 Synthetic Transformations Driven by Triplet State o-Alkyl-Substituted Benzophenones

4 The Evolution of Aryl-Ketone-Derived Products: Applications in Organophotoredox Catalysis

5 Conclusions and Future Directions

Analytic gradients for state-averaged multiconfiguration pair-density functional theory

Analytic gradients are important for efficient calculations of stationary points on potential energy surfaces, for interpreting spectroscopic observations, and for efficient direct dynamics simulations. For excited electronic states, as are involved in UV-Vis spectroscopy and photochemistry, analytic gradients are readily available and often affordable for calculations using a state-averaged complete active space self-consistent-field (SA-CASSCF) wave function. However, in most cases, a post-SA-CASSCF step is necessary for quantitative accuracy, and such calculations are often too expensive if carried out by perturbation theory or configuration interaction. In this work, we present the analytic gradients for multiconfiguration pair-density functional theory based on SA-CASSCF wave functions, which is a more affordable alternative. A test set of molecules has been studied with this method, and the stationary geometries and energetics are compared to values in the literature as obtained by other methods. Excited-state geometries computed with state-averaged pair-density functional theory have similar accuracy to those from complete active space perturbation theory at the second-order.

Visible light promoted continuous flow photocyclization of 1,2-diketones

The continuous flow Norrish-Yang photocyclization of 1,2-diketones has been developed and used for the synthesis of a large number of functionalized 2-hydroxycyclobutanones, under blue light irradiation and employing acetone as a solvent. This eco-friendly procedure represents a valid alternative to the reactions carried out in batches thus reducing the reaction times, the formation of secondary products and simplifying the purification steps. The use of differently substituted diketone compounds has allowed us to obtain a wide range of 2 and 3-functionalized cyclobutanones, thus allowing the evaluation of the scope and limitations of this procedure.

A visible-light Paternò-Büchi dearomatisation process towards the construction of oxeto-indolinic polycycles

A variety of highly functionalised N-containing polycycles (35 examples) are synthesised from simple indoles and aromatic ketones through a mild visible-light Paternò–Büchi process. Tetrahydrooxeto[2,3-b]indole scaffolds, with up to three contiguous all-substituted stereocenters, are generated in high yield (up to >98%) and excellent site- regio- and diastereocontrol (>20 : 1). The use of visible light (405 or 465 nm) ensures enhanced performances by switching off undesired photodimerisation side reactions. The reaction can be easily implemented using a microfluidic photoreactor with improved productivity (up to 0.176 mmol h⁻¹) and generality. Mechanistic investigations revealed that two alternative reaction mechanisms can account for the excellent regio- and diastereocontrol observed.

A scalable visible-light [2 + 2]-heterocycloaddition process allows the dearomatisation of indoles to complex biorelevant polycycles.

N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyzed Photoenolization/Diels-Alder Reaction of Acid Fluorides

The combination of light activation and N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) organocatalysis has enabled the use of acid fluorides as substrates in a UVA-light-mediated photochemical transformation previously observed only with aromatic aldehydes and ketones. Stoichiometric studies and TD-DFT calculations support a mechanism involving the photoactivation of an ortho-toluoyl azolium intermediate, which exhibits "ketone-like" photochemical reactivity under UVA irradiation. Using this photo-NHC catalysis approach, a novel photoenolization/Diels-Alder (PEDA) process was developed that leads to diverse isochroman-1-one derivatives.

Continuous-Flow Photochemical Transformations of 1,4-Naphthoquinones and Phthalimides in a Concentrating Solar Trough Reactor

A series of photochemical transformations has been successfully conducted under continuous-flow conditions in a concentrating solar trough reactor. Photoacylations and [2+2]-photocycloadditions involving 1,4-naphthoquinones gave the corresponding photoproducts in moderate to high yields with residence times of 70min. Likewise, acetone-sensitized photodecarboxylations involving phthalimides furnished the corresponding benzylated hydroxy phthalimidines in good to excellent yields and purity with residence times of 40min. Compared with corresponding exposures to direct sunlight conducted in a solar float, flow operation generally gave superior conversions and subsequent yields.

Recent Advances on Visible Light Metal-Based Photocatalysts for Polymerization under Low Light Intensity

In recent years, polymerization processes activated by light have attracted a great deal of interest due to the wide range of applications in which this polymerization technique is involved. Parallel to the traditional industrial applications ranging from inks, adhesives, and coatings, the development of high-tech applications such as nanotechnology and 3D-printing have given a revival of interest to this polymerization technique known for decades. To initiate a photochemical polymerization, the key element is the molecule capable to interact with light, i.e., the photoinitiator and more generally the photoinitiating system, as a combination of several components is often required to create the reactive species responsible for the polymerization process. With the aim of reducing the photoinitiator content while optimizing the polymerization yield and/or the polymerization speed, photocatalytic systems have been developed, enabling the photosensitizer to be regenerated during the polymerization process. In this review, an overview of the photocatalytic systems developed for polymerizations carried out under a low light intensity and visible light is provided. Over the years, a wide range of organometallic photocatalysts has been proposed, addressing both the polymerization efficiency and/or the toxicity, as well as environmental issues.

Z-isomerization of retinoids through combination of monochromatic photoisomerization and metal catalysis

Catalytic Z-isomerization of retinoids to their thermodynamically less stable Z-isomer remains a challenge. In this report, we present a photochemical approach for the catalytic Z-isomerization of retinoids using monochromatic wavelength UV irradiation treatment. We have developed a straightforward approach for the synthesis of Z-retinoids in high yield, overcoming common obstacles normally associated with their synthesis. Calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) have allowed us to correlate the experimentally observed Z-isomer distribution of retinoids with the energies of chemically important intermediates, which include ground- and excited-state potential energy surfaces. We also demonstrate the application of the current method by synthesizing gram-scale quantities of 9-cis-retinyl acetate 9Z-a. Operational simplicity and gram-scale ability make this chemistry a very practical solution to the problem of Z-isomer retinoid synthesis.

Naphthalene diimides with improved solubility for visible light photoredox catalysis

Five core-substituted naphthalene diimides bearing two dialkylamino groups were synthesized as potential visible light photoredox catalysts and characterized by methods of optical spectroscopy and electrochemistry in comparison with one unsubstituted naphthalene diimide as reference. The core-substituted naphthalene diimides differ by the alkyl groups at the imide nitrogens and at the nitrogens of the two substituents at the core in order to enhance their solubility in DMF and thereby enhance their photoredox catalytic potential. The 1-ethylpropyl group as rather short and branched alkyl substituent at the imide nitrogen and the n-propyl group as short and unbranched one at the core amines yielded the best solubilities. The electron-donating diaminoalkyl substituents together with the electron-deficient aromatic core of the naphthalene diimides increase the charge-transfer character of their photoexcited states and thus shift their absorption into the visible light (500-650 nm). The excited state reduction potential was estimated to be approximately +1.0 V (vs SCE) which is sufficient to photocatalyze typical organic reactions. The photoredox catalytic activity in the visible light range was tested by the α-alkylation of 1-octanal as benchmark reaction. Irradiations were performed with LEDs in the visible light range between 520 nm and 640 nm. The irradiation by visible light together with the use of an organic dye instead of a transition metal complex as photoredox catalyst improve the sustainability and make photoredox catalysis "greener".

Synthesis of Naphthocyclobutenes from α-Naphthyl Acrylates by Visible-Light Energy-Transfer Catalysis

Methyl (α-naphthyl) acrylates bearing an ortho-substituent with a hydrogen atom produce naphthocyclobutenes upon Ir(Fppy)₃-mediated photosensitization. This reaction can be described as a carbon analogue of the Norrish-Yang reaction: upon triplet excitation of the acrylate a 1,5-HAT results in a 1,4-diradical which forms the cyclobutene. Diastereoselectivities up to >20:1 were observed for the ring-closure reaction.

Highly selective AlCl3 initiated intramolecular α-alkylation of α,β-unsaturated lactams and lactones

An unprecedented example of AlCl3 initiated intramolecular α-alkylation of α,β-unsaturated lactams and lactones is reported. A variety of substrates containing an intramolecular diene yield exclusively regioselective six-membered ring products. This reaction protocol generates a new stereo centre which may be of high interest for the functionalization of bioactive coumarin and quinolinone derivatives.

2-(Hydroxyimino)aldehydes: Photo- and Physicochemical Properties of a Versatile Functional Group for Monomer Design

In the context of our research on stimuli-responsive polymers bearing the 2-(hydroxyimino)aldehyde (HIA) group, we have explored the photochemical behavior and physicochemical properties of a number of HIAs. Interpretation of the experimental data is supported by quantum mechanical calculations. HIAs are expected to undergo photoisomerization, chelate metal ions, yield hydrogen-bonded dimers or oligomers, exhibit relatively low pK_a s, and form >C=NO^. radicals through OH hydrogen abstraction or oxidation of the oximate ion. Besides the well-established E/Z oxime photoisomerism, we observed a Norrish-Yang cyclization resulting in cyclobutanol oximes, to our knowledge not previously described in the literature. The acidity, bond dissociation enthalpies, and electrochemical properties of the HIAs are compared with literature data of simple oximes. The results are discussed in relation to the many potential applications for HIAs, with emphasis on the synthesis of novel HIA-containing responsive polymers.