Activation of small organic molecules is the main objective of organic synthesis. To make molecules react, we usually have to give them energy, but the simplest method (i.e. heating up the reaction mixture) often fails due to issues with selectivity – the compounds decompose at higher temperatures. Ergo, alternate methods of activation are needed. Single electron transfer – giving or taking electrons from molecules can be used in this manner: weak bonds can be broken after an electron is accepted by the molecule, and new electrophilic centers are formed when an electron is abstracted from a molecule. The last 20 years brought a revival of organic photochemistry and electrochemistry as the researchers realized the potential of these techniques in activating molecules by single electron transfer.
Mechanochemistry is a well-developed field, as the mechanical milling is an extremely common process in industry – most complex operations require milling of the solids at some point, therefore the technology necessary for milling is well developed and understood. The potential of mechanochemistry to drive reactions requiring single electron transfer was discovered only recently – with the advent of catalysis with piezoelectric materials (materials that undergo charge separation when mechanical stress is applied to them). The main objective of this ERC grant is do develop new processes where reactions would be induced by single electron transfer under mechanochemical conditions.
