Celebration of Scholars
Photocatalysis on Benzylic Bromination using Visible Light
Name:
Juana Carrera
Major: Biology
Hometown: Pleasant Prairie
Faculty Sponsor:
Other Sponsors:
Type of research: Course project
Name:
Alina Lopez
Major: Biology
Hometown: Waukegan
Faculty Sponsor:
Other Sponsors:
Type of research: Course project
Abstract
Radical bromination is an important reaction in organic synthesis for the formation of carbon-bromine bonds. Traditionally, radical bromination has been accomplished using high energy, ultra-violet light. We are investigating a more sustainable method for radical bromination that uses visible light. In our approach, a photocatalyst is excited with visible light. The excited photocatalyst then abstracts a hydrogen atom from a benzylic carbon to make a carbon radical. The carbon radical then abstracts a bromine atom from an organic bromine source to yield the brominated product. Preliminary results have shown that bromotrichloromethane may be used effectively as a bromine radical source for the radical bromination of several different substrates. The current goal of this research project is to optimize the radical bromination conditions by exploring a variety of reaction variables, such as solvent, light source, equivalents of reagents, etc. Future goals of this research are to explore the substrate scope of the radical bromination and to adapt the reaction to be conducted in flow.Submit date: April 2, 2020, 4:45 p.m.