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Updated: Jan 7, 2026

Controlled Photoredox Ring-Opening Polymerization of O-Carboxyanhydrides Mediated by Ni/Zn Complexes
Published on: November 21, 2017
Additive-Controlled Divergent Synthesis of Amides and Ketones via Ni/Photoredox-Catalyzed Deoxygenative
1Polyu Marshall Research Centre for Medical Microbial Biotechnology, and Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 11 Yuk Choi Rd, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR of China.
Abstract:
Amides and ketones are essential carbonyl compounds with widespread applications in pharmaceuticals, materials science, and synthetic chemistry. Herein, we present a Ni/photoredox dual-catalyzed strategy for the divergent synthesis of amides and ketones from isocyanates and alcohols. This transformation is facilitated by N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-mediated activation of alcohols and is selectively controlled by the choice of additive: NaOAc promotes amide formation, whereas nBu4NPO4H2 directs the reaction toward ketone synthesis. This approach offers a versatile and practical route to access amides and ketones from readily available alcohol feedstocks.
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