An Atomically Dispersed Photocatalyst for Undirected para ‐Selective C─H Bond Functionalizations
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Regioselective C─H bond functionalization is pivotal in modern scientific exploration, offering solutions for achieving novel synthetic methodologies and pharmaceutical development. In this aspect, achieving exceptional regioselective functionalization, like para ‐selective products in electron‐poor aromatics, diverges from traditional methods. Leveraging the advantages of atomically dispersed photocatalysts, we designed a robust photocatalyst for an unconventional regioselective aromatic C─H bond functionalization. This innovation enabled para ‐selective trifluoromethylations of electron‐deficient metadirecting aromatics (─NO 2 , ─CF 3 , ─CN, etc.), which is entirely orthogonal to the traditional approaches. Mechanistic experiments and DFT analysis confirmed the interaction between Cu‐atom and the aromatic substrate, alongside the photocatalyst's molecular arrangement, driving selective exposure of the para ‐selective functionalization. This strategic approach elucidated pathways for precise molecular transformations, advancing the frontier of regioselective C─H bond functionalization by using atomically dispersed photocatalysts in organic synthesis.
Institutions: University of Antwerp, University of Bayreuth, Institute for the Chemistry of OrganoMetallic Compounds, National Research Council, Institute for Chemical and Physical Processes, Stockholm University, Leibniz Institute for Catalysis, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, University of Alicante, Diamond Light Source, Jagiellonian University
Language: English
Subfield: Organic Chemistry
Field: Chemistry
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $5,510
Award: G6759021900
OpenAlex ID: W4411203804