Prof. Dr. Armido Studer
Title: Water Activation – Radical Hydrogen Atom Transfer to Unactivated π-Systems
Abstract:
We demonstrate water activation by a photocatalytic phosphine-mediated radical process, generating a PR3-H2O radical cation intermediate, where both hydrogen atoms are used in the following chemical transformation through sequential cleavage of the O-H bonds.1,2 P-radical cations can also be used to activate the cyanate anion3 and we will further show how phosphoranyl radicals can be turned into super electron donors.4 Moreover, P-radical cations can also be used for activation of nitroarenes5 and it will be discussed that nitroarenes are radical oxygenation reagents for Fe-catalyzed alkene hydrations.6 Further, a new radical amidation reagent is introduced and applications for the hydroamidation of complex alkenes will be demonstrated.7 Finally, Fe-catalyzed hydrohalogenations of alkenes are discussed.8
References:
1. J. Zhang, C. Mück-Lichtenfeld, A. Studer, Nature 2023, 619, 506.
2. N. Spreckelmeyer, J. Kim, J. Lammert, E. S. Horst, J. Zhang, A. Studer, Chem. Sci. 2026, 17, 3775.
3. P. Vojáčková, A. Studer, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2026, 65, e24782.
4. M.-A. Wiethoff, L. Lezius, A. Studer, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2025, 62, e202501757.
5. J. Zhang, C. Mück-Lichtenfeld, M. A. Wiethoff, A. Studer, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2024, 62, e202416726.
6. A. Bhunia, K. Bergander, C. G. Daniliuc, A. Studer, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2021, 60, 8313.
7. M. Huang, C. G. Daniliuc, A. Studer, Nat. Synth. 2025, 9, 1001-1008.
8. J. Elfert, N. L. Frye, I. Rempel, C. G. Daniliuc, A. Studer, Nat. Commun. 2024, 15, 7230.
Keywords: hydrogenation, radical chemistry, synthetic methodology, hydrofunctionalization
Bio: See here.
Faculty Host: Prof. Shannon Stahl