Abstract
CHEMISTRY Few carbon-based compounds absorb light in the visible portion of the spectrum. Organic photochemical reactions therefore largely rely on irradiation in the ultraviolet, which is expensive to implement on a large scale and often introduces substantial excess energy into the system, which limits selectivity. At the same time, there is a multitude of metal-bearing molecules that absorb efficiently in the visible and have been studied thoroughly in the context of electron-transfer chemistry. Ischay et al . applied one such compound, a ruthenium (Ru) complex bearing three bipyridyl ligands, toward the catalysis of enone cyclization. The substrates are two tethered C=C-C(O)-R moieties, where at least one R group must be a phenyl ring (the other can be an alkyl, alkoxy, or amide group). Upon absorbing blue light, the Ru complex can undergo an electron-transfer cycle that lends an electron to the substrate, accelerating formation of a bicyclic product via bond formation between the olefins. Placing the reaction flask by the window is sufficient for ordinary sunlight to drive the process. — JSY J. Am. Chem. Soc. 130 , 10.1021/ja805387f (2008).
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.