The new research project at DTU Chemistry, led by Associate Professor Søren Kramer, aims to develop an effective and environmentally friendly method for using CO₂ as a raw material in the production of pharmaceuticals. CO₂ is both non-toxic and abundantly available, and the project will demonstrate how it can be directly incorporated into molecules using light and advanced catalysts. This method allows for the replacement of specific hydrogen atoms in organic compounds with carbon from CO₂ – a process that shortens synthesis pathways and reduces chemical waste.
The project combines two modern techniques: C-H functionalization and enantioselective catalysis, ensuring that only the desired mirror-image form of the drug molecule is produced. This is crucial, as the wrong form can be ineffective or even harmful. By using visible light as an energy source, the process becomes both sustainable and gentle on the environment.
The announcement from the Independent Research Fund Denmark can be found here.