Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2025
13:09
Utilization of Stop-flow Micro-tubing Reactors for the Development of Organic Transformations
Published on: January 4, 2018
39.1K
Heterogeneous Organocatalysts for Light-Driven Reactions in Continuous Flow
Graziano Di Carmine1, Carmine D'Agostino2,3, Olga Bortolini1
1Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 25, 2024
Summary
Heterogeneous photocatalysis using continuous flow offers sustainable organic synthesis. This review highlights recent advances in graphitic carbon nitride (g-CN), polymeric, and supported molecular catalysts for greener chemical transformations.
Area of Science:
- Organic Chemistry
- Sustainable Chemistry
- Catalysis
Background:
- Photocatalysis has revolutionized organic synthesis with milder and more sustainable methods.
- There is an increasing need to replace toxic and critical metals used in catalysis.
- Heterogeneous photocatalysis offers a solution through catalyst reusability, addressing cost concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in heterogeneous photocatalysis for organic synthesis.
- To focus on applications enabled by continuous flow technology.
- To discuss specific types of heterogeneous catalysts, including g-CN, polymeric materials, and supported molecular catalysts.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent literature on heterogeneous photocatalysis in continuous flow systems.
- Categorization of studies based on catalyst types: graphitic carbon nitride (g-CN), polymeric photoactive materials, and supported molecular catalysts.
- Analysis of the application of these catalysts in various organic synthesis reactions.
Main Results:
- Demonstration of milder and more sustainable reaction conditions compared to traditional methods.
- Successful implementation of continuous flow systems for enhanced efficiency and scalability.
- Exploration of diverse heterogeneous catalysts, showcasing their potential in replacing metal catalysts.
Conclusions:
- Heterogeneous photocatalysis, particularly in continuous flow, is a promising avenue for sustainable organic synthesis.
- Graphitic carbon nitride (g-CN), polymeric photoactive materials, and supported molecular catalysts represent key areas of development.
- Further research in this field can lead to greener and more cost-effective chemical processes.
Related Concept Videos
02:50Catalysis
26.9K
The presence of a catalyst affects the rate of a chemical reaction. A catalyst is a substance that can increase the reaction rate without being consumed during the process. A basic comprehension of a catalysts’ role during chemical reactions can be understood from the concept of reaction mechanisms and energy diagrams.
26.9K
01:12Cycloaddition Reactions: MO Requirements for Photochemical Activation
2.1K
Some cycloaddition reactions are activated by heat, while others are initiated by light. For example, a [2 + 2] cycloaddition between two ethylene molecules occurs only in the presence of light. It is photochemically allowed but thermally forbidden.
2.1K
02:17Reduction of Alkenes: Asymmetric Catalytic Hydrogenation
3.3K
Catalytic hydrogenation of alkenes is a transition-metal catalyzed reduction of the double bond using molecular hydrogen to give alkanes. The mode of hydrogen addition follows syn stereochemistry.
The metal catalyst used can be either heterogeneous or homogeneous. When hydrogenation of an alkene generates a chiral center, a pair of enantiomeric products is expected to form. However, an enantiomeric excess of one of the products can be facilitated using an enantioselective reaction or an...
The metal catalyst used can be either heterogeneous or homogeneous. When hydrogenation of an alkene generates a chiral center, a pair of enantiomeric products is expected to form. However, an enantiomeric excess of one of the products can be facilitated using an enantioselective reaction or an...
3.3K
02:13Reduction of Alkenes: Catalytic Hydrogenation
12.0K
Alkenes undergo reduction by the addition of molecular hydrogen to give alkanes. Because the process generally occurs in the presence of a transition-metal catalyst, the reaction is called catalytic hydrogenation.
Metals like palladium, platinum, and nickel are commonly used in their solid forms — fine powder on an inert surface. As these catalysts remain insoluble in the reaction mixture, they are referred to as heterogeneous catalysts.
The hydrogenation process takes place on the...
Metals like palladium, platinum, and nickel are commonly used in their solid forms — fine powder on an inert surface. As these catalysts remain insoluble in the reaction mixture, they are referred to as heterogeneous catalysts.
The hydrogenation process takes place on the...
12.0K
01:26Photochemical Electrocyclic Reactions: Stereochemistry
1.8K
The absorption of UV–visible light by conjugated systems causes the promotion of an electron from the ground state to the excited state. Consequently, photochemical electrocyclic reactions proceed via the excited-state HOMO rather than the ground-state HOMO. Since the ground- and excited-state HOMOs have different symmetries, the stereochemical outcome of electrocyclic reactions depends on the mode of activation; i.e., thermal or photochemical.
Selection Rules: Photochemical Activation
Selection Rules: Photochemical Activation
1.8K
01:26Thermal and Photochemical Electrocyclic Reactions: Overview
2.3K
Electrocyclic reactions are reversible reactions. They involve an intramolecular cyclization or ring-opening of a conjugated polyene. Shown below are two examples of electrocyclic reactions. In the first reaction, the formation of the cyclic product is favored. In contrast, in the second reaction, ring-opening is favored due to the high ring strain associated with cyclobutene formation.
2.3K