Nickel-catalyzed photoredox synthesis of olefins and carbonyls from bio-based substrates

Overview

This research program develops new photochemical routes from simple and bio-based substrates to produce value-added chemicals. The core innovation is the use of metalla photoredox catalysis, where light excitation generates high-energy radical intermediates that are then controlled through transition metal catalysis. By selecting specific nickel catalysts, the team can guide selectivity toward elimination reactions or side-selective alkylations, enabling the conversion of natural substrates such as amino acids and hydroxy acids into olefins, aldehydes, and ketones. This approach offers a more sustainable and simpler alternative to traditional synthetic routes for producing challenging olefins and carbonyl compounds.

Technical specifications

Key features:

• Photoredox catalysis using light excitation to access high-energy radical intermediates in a controlled manner
• Nickel catalyst selection to steer selectivity between competing reaction pathways, favoring elimination over uncontrolled radical-chain reactions
• Bio-based substrate scope including amino acids converted to olefins and hydroxy acids converted to aldehydes or ketones using the same catalytic system
• Side-selective alkylation reactions as part of the broader transformation portfolio
• Planned expansion to heteroatoms and heterocycles for accessing challenging olefins and carbonyl compounds

Technology readiness level

The technology has reached early-stage proof of concept, with demonstrated high yields and selectivities for olefin formation from amino acids and for aldehyde or ketone formation from hydroxy acids using the same catalytic system. The next six months will focus on substrate scope screening and scaling up to the first preparative-scale synthesis to obtain diverse products for further testing. The technology is at an academic research stage with initial validation results, ready for expanded investigation of substrate generality and preparative-scale application.