Catalyst-free Ullmann coupling in aqueous microdroplets.
basic_science · Level V
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 40796741.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/s41467-025-62706-w and PMC identifier 12343954.
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Abstract
Ullmann-type coupling reactions are one of the most important transformations in organic synthesis. Achieving catalyst-free Ullmann couplings under mild conditions is crucial to extending the scope of traditional carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom couplings. Herein, we show that Ullmann couplings can be effectively achieved at room temperature without the need for metal catalysts in MeOH/H<sub>2</sub>O microdroplets. Mechanistic investigations reveal that the Ullmann reaction in microdroplets is driven by •OH radicals and involves a single-electron transfer pathway via nitrogen-centered radicals. This work not only provides fundamental insights into the •OH radical-mediated coupling reactions in microdroplets but also offers a new strategy for catalyst-free Ullmann couplings.