GoKawiilResearchers Develop Dual-Copper Catalyst System for Unactivated Alkyl Chlorides
Scientists have reported a dual-copper catalytic strategy that activates strong, previously unreactive C–Cl bonds in unactivated alkyl chlorides for use in atom transfer radical reactions. The system uses a dinuclear copper complex to break the chlorine bond and a separate mononuclear copper catalyst to control how it reforms, allowing the reaction to switch between addition and polymerization modes. The method was used to make varied small-molecule products, end-functionalized polyacrylates, and to directly modify poly(vinyl chloride) under mild conditions.
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Atom transfer radical reactions have traditionally relied on more reactive, activated organohalides, limiting the raw materials chemists could use; this approach could expand the toolkit to cheaper, more abundant alkyl chlorides. The ability to switch between reaction pathways with the same base chemistry suggests a more flexible, controllable platform for building both small molecules and polymers. Direct modification of PVC, a widely used industrial plastic, under mild conditions could point toward new ways to functionalize existing commodity polymers without harsher processing.
- A new dual-copper catalytic system can cleave strong C–Cl bonds in previously unreactive alkyl chlorides.
- The reaction can be switched between atom transfer radical addition and polymerization by adding or removing a mononuclear copper catalyst.
- The method enabled synthesis of diverse small molecules, functionalized polyacrylates, and direct modification of PVC under mild conditions.
Source: nature.com — Huang, 2026-10-28
Published there as: “Switchable Chlorine Atom Transfer Radical Reactions”
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