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Single-atom photocatalyst for click reaction
Chang Cheng1, Bicheng Zhu1, Yue Lin2
1Laboratory of Solar Fuel, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, 68 Jincheng Street, Wuhan, 430078, P. R. China.
Nature Communications
|June 10, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a novel light-triggered click chemistry reaction using a single-atom copper catalyst within a covalent organic framework. This heterogeneous system efficiently generates the active copper(I) species for organic synthesis.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Organic Chemistry
- Photochemistry
Background:
- Copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition is a key click chemistry reaction.
- Homogeneous copper catalysis presents challenges for large-scale synthesis and mechanistic studies.
- Inspiration from natural photosynthetic systems for catalyst design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a light-triggered, heterogeneous catalyst for click chemistry.
- To utilize a single-atom Cu(II)-loaded covalent organic framework (COF) as a robust photoinitiator and scaffold.
- To enable efficient generation of transient Cu(I) active sites via photoinduced electron transfer.
Main Methods:
- Design and synthesis of a single-atom Cu(II)-loaded COF.
- Investigation of light-triggered electron transfer from the COF ligand to Cu(II).
- Application in a model click chemistry reaction (benzylazide and phenylacetylene cycloaddition).
Main Results:
- Successful generation of transient Cu(I) species with submicrosecond lifetime upon light irradiation.
- Achieved 95% substrate conversion and >90% triazole yield in the model reaction.
- Demonstrated a controllable and robust heterogeneous catalytic system.
Conclusions:
- The developed COF-based system offers a sustainable approach to light-triggered click chemistry.
- This strategy provides a simplified and efficient alternative to traditional homogeneous copper catalysis.
- Potential broad applications in photolithography and polymer chemistry.
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