Visible-Light-Driven Oxidation of Organic Substrates with Dioxygen Mediated by a [Ru(bpy)3 ](2+) /Laccase System

ChemSusChem. 2015 Sep 21;8(18):3048-51. doi: 10.1002/cssc.201500602.

Abstract

Oxidation reactions are highly important chemical transformations that still require harsh reaction conditions and stoichiometric amounts of chemical oxidants that are often toxic. To circumvent these issues, olefins oxidation is achieved in mild conditions upon irradiation of an aqueous solution of the complex [Ru(bpy)3 ](2+) and the enzyme laccase. Epoxide formation is coupled to the light-driven reduction of O2 by [Ru(bpy)3 ](2+) /laccase system. The reactivity can be explained by dioxygen acting both as an oxidative agent and as renewable electron acceptor, avoiding the use of a sacrificial electron acceptor.

Keywords: copper; enzyme catalysis; olefins; oxidation; ruthenium.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkenes / chemistry
  • Epoxy Compounds / chemistry
  • Laccase / chemistry
  • Laccase / metabolism*
  • Light*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Organometallic Compounds / chemistry*
  • Oxidants / chemistry*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Oxygen / chemistry*
  • Photochemical Processes*
  • Protein Conformation

Substances

  • Alkenes
  • Epoxy Compounds
  • Organometallic Compounds
  • Oxidants
  • tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II)
  • Laccase
  • Oxygen