JACS: COF/Photocatalytic Decarboxylation Fluorination Reaction

Recently, the Biplab Maji research group at the Kolkata Institute of Science Education and Research in India developed a novel photocatalyst based on covalent organic frameworks (COFs) for photocatalytic decarboxylation and fluorination reactions starting from various carboxylic acids, which can efficiently synthesize corresponding alkyl fluorides.
Fluorides have many important applications in the fields of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and materials science. The addition of fluorine atoms can significantly improve the physical and chemical properties of organic molecules, such as increasing lipophilicity, metabolic stability, and solubility. Therefore, developing reliable and efficient fluorination methods is one of the hotspots in chemical research. Traditional fluorination methods have some limitations, such as the use of expensive transition metal catalysts or the generation of harmful by-products.
In recent years, photocatalytic decarboxylation and fluorination reactions have attracted attention due to their mild conditions, high efficiency, and good atomic economy. However, the development of this field still faces challenges, especially in finding photocatalysts that can withstand the harsh conditions of fluorinating agents. At present, we are exploring new, metal free, non-toxic, and reusable photocatalysts in order to achieve more efficient and sustainable light promoted synthesis methods.
The research team carefully designed and synthesized an anthraquinone based COF catalyst called TpAQ, which exhibited excellent activity and selectivity in photocatalytic decarboxylation and fluorination reactions, surpassing other structurally similar β - ketoenamine COF catalysts in performance. Through a series of control experiments, photoluminescence, and electrochemical tests, researchers have delved into the unique properties and reaction mechanisms of TpAQ, revealing its separation process of electrons and holes in photocatalytic cycles and its interaction with substrates. In addition, the study also demonstrated the potential application of TpAQ under different batch and continuous flow conditions, demonstrating its feasibility in large-scale production. The research results not only broaden the application scope of COFs as photocatalysts, but also provide new possibilities for the synthesis of novel drugs and functionalized molecules, while laying the foundation for the development of future photo driven chemical synthesis methods.

Key words:
4,6-Dichloropyrimidine   CAS:1193-21-1
https://www.allfluoro.com/en/product-details/1193-21-1.html
2-Chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)isonicotinaldehyde    CAS:505084-57-1
https://www.allfluoro.com/en/product-details/505084-57-1.html
4-Cyano-3-fluorophenyl 4-pentylbenzoate   CAS:86786-89-2
https://www.allfluoro.com/en/product-details/86786-89-2.html
1,3-Difluoro-5-propylbenzene    CAS:183245-00-3
https://www.allfluoro.com/en/product-details/183245-00-3.html
2,3-Difluoro-4-propoxyphenol    CAS:887582-93-6
https://www.allfluoro.com/en/product-details/887582-93-6.html