DATE2023.11.24 #Press Releases

New catalysts for continuous synthesis of fine chemicals

Researchers developed a highly active and selective heterogeneous chiral rhodium catalyst. 
 
Nov 24, 2023 
 
Researchers Yuki Saito and Shū Kobayashi from the University of Tokyo have developed heterogeneous catalysts for stereoselective carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bond conversion important for organic synthesis.  
  
Transition metal catalysts are often used in the C-H bond chemical conversion reactions. But in this study, the researchers show how heterogeneous chiral rhodium catalysts can be used for continuous-flow chemical reactions such as enantioselective hydroacylations. The reactions are involved in synthesizing various optically active ketones and other products.  
 
The catalysts showed high selectivity and activity giving excellent yields. They also showed a wide substrate scope making them suitable for synthesizing biologically active molecules. The team’s catalyst immobilization method allows for separating and reusing the transition metal catalysts, which reduces waste. The research findings can be applied to the continuous production of fine chemicals such as pharmaceuticals, agrichemicals, and semiconductor raw materials.  
 
The researchers are now focusing on improving the catalyst lifetime. 

Figure: The immobilized catalyst developed in this study can be prepared by stirring a homogeneous rhodium complex at room temperature. Before immobilization, the solution is orange, but after immobilization, it becomes a colorless solution with an orange precipitate of the heterogeneous catalyst. 
 
For more details, please read the article:   
Yuki Saito, Shū Kobayashi 2023. Continuous-flow enantioselective hydroacylations under heterogeneous chiral Rhodium catalysts. Angewandte Chemie International Edition. DOI: 10.1002/anie.202313778.