Credit: Burkhard König
Researchers from the University of Regensburg have developed a novel method to sythensize complex molecules using water and violet light to trigger a reaction. The method has been demonstrated for more than 160 molecules, including drug precursor synthesis.
Published in Science, the method utilizes the film formed by water-insoluble organic molecules on water to create the conditions necessary for activation by light. By applying the molecules to a water surface, and then irradiating them with violet light, a reaction is triggered which links both reaction partners.
This reaction on the water surface, allows for the synthesis of target compounds without the need for organic solvents or other additives. This reduction in solvents and additives creates a much more efficient and environmentally friendly synthesis method than is currently available.
During the nearly two year development of the method, researchers conducted a number of experiments to confirm the findings. Eventually, the method was transferred to a flow reactor allowing for continuos reaction and a significant increase in the number of products that are accessible. The team also relied on spectroscopic measurements to provide insight into the molecular mechanisms behind the reactions.
The method utilizes comparably simple conditions for the reactions, a benefit the team intend to continue exploiting to achieve the largest possible range of applications in chemical synthesis.