Bonnie Buss, Ph.D.
Abstract
Photoredox catalysis, a relatively recent advancement in photochemistry, has emerged as a powerful tool in the synthetic chemistry toolbox due to reaction selectivity, benign conditions, and ease of implementation. Early developments in the field primarily relied on rare-earth metal catalysts, such as Ruthenium and Iridium complexes. More recently, organic photocatalysts capable of high-energy single-electron transfer reactions have been developed and widely applied in various small-molecule and macromolecular transformations. However, their widespread adoption remains challenging due to difficulties in recovery and high costs after typical reactions. This presentation explores an approach to advancing organic photoredox catalysis by incorporating these PCs into homogeneous polymer supports. Specifically, we focus on the well-studied N-aryl phenoxazine system, a promising molecular photocatalyst. Copolymers are synthesized from functionalized photocatalysts and either methyl methacrylate or cyclooctene monomers to tune the polarity and rigidity of the polymeric environment. We investigate key photochemical and thermodynamic structure-property relationships influenced by polymer support, as well as their application in atom transfer radical addition and cyclization reactions. In a separate work, this presentation will also discuss the development of a benchtop-accessible photoredox-catalyzed polymerization method, redesigning a traditionally complex reaction to be more accessible for undergraduate organic chemistry education.
When: February 14, 2025
Where: North Classroom 1130
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00pm