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.