Green Chemistry Challenge: 2022 Academic Award
Professor Song Lin (Cornell University)
Professor Song Lin is being recognized for developing an improved way to perform chemical processes widely used in the pharmaceutical industry. Many chemicals in use today, particularly pharmaceuticals, are large and complicated molecules that are precisely engineered for a specific function. These complicated molecules are often created by joining together parts of smaller molecules. One important way to accomplish this is by cross-coupling reactions, which create new bonds between carbon or silicon molecules. Traditionally, cross-coupling reactions require a transition metal-based catalyst, which typically use rare and potentially hazardous metals. Professor Lin’s group has developed a new way to perform these reactions that does not use these metals and also decreases energy use and waste.
Summary of Technology:
Oxidation and reduction reactions are two types of chemical processes widely used in synthesizing organic compounds in the pharmaceutical industry. However, these reactions can use a lot of energy, hazardous metals and create hazardous byproducts. To combat this issue, Professor Song Lin of Cornell University developed an electrochemical strategy that enables organic transformations without the use of potent chemical oxidants or reductants, which can be hazardous. First, Professor Lin’s group developed a series of coupling reactions that can selectively forge C-C, C-Si, and Si-Si bonds from readily available alkyl halides and chlorosilanes feedstocks. Second, the group advanced an electrooxidative C-H functionalization reaction that operates under simple, catalyst-free conditions. These reactions use inexpensive carbon or magnesium electrodes rather than transition metal catalysts. Lastly, Lin’s group created an electrochemical reactor that is compatible with current industrial infrastructure for high-throughput experimentation. These high-impact, productive coupling reactions could have a significant impact in the pharmaceutical industry and could reduce the creation of hazardous materials and energy usage.
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