Excited molecules: development of photo- and redox-pathways as tools for green chemistry and bio-resource valorization

The research program proposed herein will focus on the study of alternative energy input processes for chemical synthesis, including direct light-induced chemical derivatization, the closely related photo-redox processes and electrochemistry. Leveraged by micro-reactor technology, these alternate mechanistic pathways are evolving into valuable and green chemistry tools. The economic viability of both photo- and electro-chemically induced singe electron transfer (SET) redox reactions and of singlet/triplet chemistry is highly increased in a microfluidic set-up and can culminate in the direct or indirect use of solar light to obtain high added value chemicals. In addition, the distinct character of these mechanisms grant them a good compatibility with the highly functionalised nature of natural resources.The investigation of these alternative energy input processes for chemical synthesis thus represents a link between synthetic organic chemistry, the development of new reactor systems and bioresource valorization.