Our research in photocatalysis focuses on the development of visible-light-driven strategies to access unconventional reactivity modes and enable streamlined synthesis of value-added nitrogen-containing molecules. By combining photoredox catalysis with thermal and metal-catalyzed approaches, we aim to expand the synthetic toolbox available for the construction and diversification of complex molecular architectures.

Photoredox-Mediated Radical Reactivity

One major research direction explores the photoredox-mediated radical reactivity of sulfonamides to generate nitrogen-centered radicals under mild visible-light irradiation, enabling selective molecular transformations that are difficult to achieve using conventional methodologies. Our work includes the development of 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer (1,5-HAT) pathways for remote C–H functionalization and a metal-free debenzylation/amination protocol for homobenzylic sulfonamides using N-iodoimides as radical initiators.

In addition, we have investigated visible‑light‑mediated hydroxysulfonylation of acrylamides, exemplified by the regioselective synthesis of the anticancer drug bicalutamide via a one‑pot photocatalytic redox process using Na₂‑Eosin Y as photocatalyst under blue light. This protocol provides α‑hydroxysulfonylamides with quaternary centers in good yields and complete regioselectivity via radical intermediates, demonstrating the synthetic utility of visible‑light catalysis for complex drug‑like targets.

We have also incorporated insights from studies on the photocatalytic chlorosulfonylation of acrylamides, where radical pathways afford α‑chlorosulfonylamides with high regioselectivity across a broad substrate scope, further highlighting the versatility of radical-mediated visible‑light processes in functionalizing alkenes.

Photochemical Activation of Azobenzenes

Complementary to these studies, we investigate the photochemical and photocatalytic activation of azo compounds, particularly azobenzenes, as versatile synthetic building blocks. Moving beyond their classical role as photochromic switches, we have demonstrated that azobenzenes can engage in switchable reactions with alkynes under photoredox, thermal or metal-catalyzed conditions, providing divergent access to structurally diverse nitrogen heterocycles. These studies highlight how light-driven activation modes can be leveraged to control reaction pathways and product selectivity, enabling efficient synthesis of heterocycles of interest for pharmaceuticals and materials science.

Synthesis of heterocyclic systems

We design and implement innovative synthetic methodologies for the construction of structurally diverse N-heterocycles. Our approaches include the cyclization of TosMIC derivatives, as well as cycloaddition strategies employing reactive intermediates such as trifluorodiazoethane and aza-o-quinone methides. These complementary platforms enable efficient access to nitrogen-containing frameworks with high structural complexity and functional diversity.

Computational Organic Chemistry

Our research applies density functional theory (DFT) calculations to study reaction mechanisms. By combining computational modeling with experimental investigations, we aim to understand and predict reaction pathways, selectivities and reactivity trends. We also actively collaborate with several reputed experimental chemists to explore new reactions and validate mechanistic hypotheses. Selected contributions: ChemCatChem 2024, 16, e202400909 ; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2024, 63, e202319158; Nat. Chem. 2024, 16, 607-614 ; J. Org. Chem. 2023, 88, 14131; ChemSusChem, 2023, 16, e202300200; Org. Biomol. Chem. 2023, 21, 2705; Chem. Sci. 2021, 12, 15084-15089

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