Forming Carbon-Carbon Bonds Via Photo-oxidation

Abstract

1-(2-thienyl)-pyrene has been viewed to form a carbon-carbon bond when oxidized. We investigated a palladium catalyzed reaction leading to the dimerization of a furan. However, ostensibly a similar reaction can occur in the absence of palladium but the presence of a photocurrent substantial enough to push an electron to an excited state, leaving a hole in it’s previous orbital. After this occurs, this molecule can find another of the same nature and complete the desired carbon-carbon bond. In creating this bond, we will have synthesized a “solar fuel” that can store energy in a stable bond using light.