A study in Nature Communications explores artificial photosynthesis for organic synthesis, a challenging field. Using semiconductor photocatalysts, researchers achieved carbohydroxylation of C=C double bonds via a three-component coupling with H2 evolution. This innovative approach, termed artificial photosynthesis directed toward organic synthesis (APOS), is a significant step towards sustainable chemical transformations using environmentally friendly methods. By optimizing a dual photocatalytic system, the team demonstrated successful reactions with various styrene derivatives, including complex structures and drug molecules. This study offers a promising strategy for value-added chemical production using solar energy, highlighting the potential for green chemistry advancements.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-56374-z