KEMV1190 Synthetic Photochemistry and Photocatalysis (JSS29) (2 cr)

Content

Visible light is a fantastic reagent for catalytic transformations: It is easily generated, selectively delivered within a reaction mixture, safe, and leaves no trace - even if applied in large excess. Photocatalysis utilizes the energy of light for chemical synthesis, as nature does in biological photosynthesis. Chemical photocatalysis has developed fast over the last 15 years and sophisticated methods for many transformations have been reported.

We start with a refresher of the photophysical principles that are essential to design photochemical and photocatalytic transformations. Next, we discuss selected reactions of classic photochemistry. The program will then focus on photocatalysis, due to its current importance in synthesis. We look at photo catalytic oxidations and their application in synthesis, at ATRA reactions, cycloadditions, carboxylations, decarboxylative bond formations and many variants of cross-couplings. This will include the recently discovered dual catalytic reactions combining e.g. photo- and metal-catalysis, allowing highly efficient and even enantioselective transformations. Last, but not least, we discuss recent progress in photocatalytic water splitting and photodynamic disinfection.

Completion methods

Written examination on the last day.