We are interested in integrating unorthodox, at best new interactions into catalysis. This is important because new ways to interact should lead to new reactivity. In this spirit, we have introduced catalysis with anion-π interactions in 2013, followed by catalysis with chalcogen bonds in 2017 and catalysis with pnictogen bonds in 2018. In 2023, we realized electric-field catalysis on carbon nanotubes in electromicrofluidic reactors, combined with anion-π and cation-π catalysis, depending on the orientation of the field. Theory and biology predict that concept to accelerate and direct electron movement during reactions with oriented external electric fields (OEEFs) could change the way we make molecules, but practical challenges under scalable bulk conditions have so far hindered general use in academia and industry.

Methods: These projects generate expertise in synthetic methodology, in combination with total synthesis, electromicrofluidics methods development, carbon allotropes (mostly nanotubes, surface chemistry, non/covalent modifications, self-assembly), kinetics (NMR, HPLC, GC), analysis (chemo-/enantioselectivity, rate enhancements, proficiency, ground-state vs transition-state stabilization) and (optional) extension to molecular modeling, materials characterization, and biocatalysis.

Collaborations: These projects offer optional in-house collaboration possibilities with regard to computational chemistry and ultrafast photophysics. They are connected to the NCCR Molecular System Engineering, with possible collaboration with other members (artificial enzymes, device engineering), NCCR group meetings and retreats.

Recommended reading:

Gutiérrez López, M. Á.; Ali, R.; Tan, M.-L.; Sakai, N.; Wirth, T.; Matile, S. “Electric Field-Assisted Anion-π Catalysis on Carbon Nanotubes in Electrochemical Microfluidic Devices,” Sci. Adv. 2023, 9, eadj5502.

Zhao, Y.; Cotelle, Y.; Liu, L.; Lopez-Andarias, J.; Bornhof, A.-B.; Akamatsu, M.; Sakai, N.; Matile, S. “The Emergence of Anion-π Catalysis,” Acc. Chem. Res. 2018, 51, 2255–2263.

Renno, G.; Chen, D.; Zhang, Q.-X.; Gomila, R. M.; Frontera, A.; Sakai, N.; Ward, T. R.; Matile, S. “Pnictogen-Bonding Enzymes,” Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2024, 63, e202411347.

Benz, S.; Poblador-Bahamonde, A. I.; Low-Ders, N.; Matile, S. “Catalysis with Pnictogen, Chalcogen and Halogen Bonds,” Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2018, 57, 5408–5412.

Benz, S.; Lopez-Andarias, J.; Mareda, J.; Sakai, N.; Matile, S. “Catalysis with Chalcogen Bonds,” Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2017, 56, 812–815.

Zhao, Y.; Domoto, Y.; Orentas, E.; Beuchat, C.; Emery, D.; Mareda, J.; Sakai, N.; Matile, S. “Catalysis with Anion-π Interactions,” Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2013, 52, 9940–9943.