Photochemistry Applications in synthesis

Posted by: @chemgeek

Hi, guys!

I really wonder if the photochemical reactions are used in the total synthesis and have good yields and selectivities or they are just studied as a phenomenon but do not have broad synthetic applications?

Hello, is photochemical synthesis of nanoparticles considered?

@nanoserebro I would say that I am more interested in total synthesis of natural products rather in synthesis of nanoparticles.

Ahah, it was my first lab experience. We used a giant lamp from lampstand that was immersed in water (for cooling purposes). It was way too dramatic))

Actually now I know that there is all sorts of research that deals with interaction between light and matter. For example, LC photopolymer are really cool

Of course, they are widely used in synthesis.

@chemgeek Photochemical reactions are also used in the chemical industry, for example, in the chlorination and sulfochlorination of marginal hydrocarbons, in the synthesis of caprolactam, in the photopolymerization of methyl methacrylate in the production of organic glass. The main advantage of photochemical activation is the high selectivity of the process (90-95%).

I would like to add that in laboratory conditions photochemical methods are widely used for the formation of compounds with four-membered cycles using inter- and intramolecular [2+2] - cycloaddition and electrocyclic ring closure of conjugated dienes.

Photochemical curing really has some important advantages, but unfortunately it's efficiency also depends on optical properties of the system

@damiryagudin chlorination and sulfochlorination isn't it easier to carry out with simple heating?

I don't think it's easier.

@argentum These processes proceed by a radical mechanism, requiring high temperatures. It is known that high temperature contributes to the homolytic rupture of chlorine molecules and the formation of radicals.

@damiryagudin photochemical reactions also follow a radical mechanism

Yes, also in a radical way, but it is due to light that the photochemical process proceeds at low temperatures, and the radiation is absorbed by a certain substance in the reaction mixture or by a separate type of bond.