Abstract
The LIGHT-CAT project aims to develop new sustainable catalytic strategies by merging visible-light photochemistry with modern catalytic platforms, including metal catalysis and organocatalysis. The goal is to design efficient and selective methods for the direct functionalisation of simple and abundant molecules, such as alkanes and natural products, with minimal environmental impact. By exploiting the power of visible light as a renewable energy source, the project will enable novel radical-based transformations through Hydrogen Atom Transfer (HAT) processes. These will allow direct activation of strong, otherwise inert, C(sp³)–H bonds, offering streamlined access to complex and valuable chemical structures. The project is carried out by a consortium of three teams: the University of Bologna (Paolo Melchiorre, project coordinator), the University of Pavia (Maurizio Fagnoni), and the University of Roma Tor Vergata (Massimo Bietti). Their complementary expertise in photochemistry, radical catalysis, and sustainable synthesis ensures a synergistic and interdisciplinary approach. The expected outcomes include the discovery of new light-driven catalytic processes, the development of more sustainable synthetic tools, and a deeper understanding of reaction mechanisms. LIGHT-CAT ultimately contributes to the advancement of green chemistry and the design of low-impact, innovative chemical technologies.
Project details
Unibo Team Leader: Paolo Melchiorre
Unibo involved Department/s:
Dipartimento di Chimica Industriale "Toso Montanari"
Coordinator:
ALMA MATER STUDIORUM - Università di Bologna(Italy)
Total Eu Contribution: Euro (EUR) 234.553,00
Total Unibo Contribution: Euro (EUR) 141.916,00
Project Duration in months: 24
Start Date:
30/11/2023
End Date:
30/11/2025
