Chemists use light energy to produce small molecular rings

The University of Münste.

The search for new active agents in medicine is becoming more important with the increasing importance of molecule whose atoms are linked in rings. Such ring systems are ideal for producing active agents and they are driving the development of innovative treatments for diseases such as cancer, as well as for neurodegenerative and infectious diseases. A team of chemists headed by Prof. Frank Glorius from the University of Münster has succeeded in synthesising new and medically significant small molecular rings, which are difficult to produce because they are sensitive. The journal Nature Catalysis has published the work of the team.

The synthesis of small ring systems from aromatic compounds is difficult for chemists. A large amount of energy is needed for the process. The energy has to be released to the source materials, but not to the heat-sensitive products. The team of Frank Glorius has developed a strategy in which visible light can be used as an inexpensive energy source. The photocatalyst absorbs the light. This way, synthesis can take place which is efficient and mild and which has no side-reactions.

The study shows that light energy can be used to produce small ring systems. By using different reaction partners, we can produce different ring systems that give us more opportunities for the production of active agents.

More information: Jiajia Ma et al, Facile access to fused 2D/3D rings via intermolecular cascade dearomative [2 + 2] cycloaddition/rearrangement reactions of quinolines with alkenes, Nature Catalysis (2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41929-022-00784-5 Journal information: Nature Catalysis Provided by University of Münste Citation: Chemists use light energy to produce small molecular rings (2022, May 26) retrieved 26 May 2022 from https://phys.org/news/2022-05-chemists-energy-small-molecular.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.