Air-Insensitive Sulfonylation Enabled by a MOF-Supported Nickel Photocatalyst

Area of Science:

• Organic Chemistry
• Catalysis
• Materials Science

Background:

• Photoredox nickel dual catalysis is a powerful synthetic tool but requires inert conditions.
• Homogeneous systems face challenges in practical application and mechanistic study due to complex equilibria.
• Developing robust and air-stable catalytic systems is crucial for broader adoption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a heterogeneous photocatalytic system for nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions.
• To enable photoinduced sulfonylation of aryl halides under ambient air conditions.
• To overcome limitations of homogeneous nickel catalysis.

Main Methods:

• Immobilization of nickel complexes within a highly crystalline mesoporous framework.
• Utilizing the framework-supported nickel catalyst for photoinduced sulfonylation.
• Investigating the effect of pre-treatment with coordinating solvents on catalyst activity.

Main Results:

• Successful demonstration of photoinduced sulfonylation of aryl halides under ambient air.
• Enhanced catalyst activity observed after pre-treatment with coordinating solvents.
• Development of a robust heterogeneous photocatalytic system.

Conclusions:

• Heterogeneous immobilization of nickel complexes offers a viable strategy for air-stable catalysis.
• The developed system broadens sustainable cross-coupling methodologies.
• Insights gained aid in designing robust heterogeneous photocatalytic systems for practical applications.