Redox Mediators Enable Z-Selective Semi-Hydrogenation with a Twist

The team enters the reductive electrocatalysis arena demonstrating the power of voltage control and redox mediators. In an exciting collaboration with the Gutierrez group at UCLA, Bryan and team show a highly Z-selective Co-catalyzed semi-hydrogenation that allows for the synthesis of stilbenoid natural products, such as Combretastatin A4. DFT reveals a unique stereoselectivity model based on distortion analysis of the ligand-substrate dihedral angles. We are excited to continue developing based on these insights!

For a link to the preprint, see: https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/67880e2481d2151a024e5262