Sir David MacMillan, a Professor at Princeton University, shares an update on his photocatalysis research at Princeton University, in collaboration with industrial labs such as Merck, Lilly, AstraZeneca and others. Four years after receiving the Nobel Prize for Chemistry, David shares how the field has evolved.
Photocatalysis is a rapidly broadening field. What is the focus of your current research?
"Our main objectives are to develop new chemical reactions that will significantly impact industries such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, fine chemicals, flavors, and fragrances. We are particularly focused on making SP3 carbon-carbon bonds, which are becoming increasingly useful in the pharmaceutical industry.
We collaborate with many industrial labs, including Merck, Lilly, AstraZeneca, J&J, Pfizer, and Genmab. These collaborations help us develop new chemical reactions that are useful to both the companies and the broader scientific community. The goal is to create reactions that will see rapid adoption across the industry".
"One example is the decarboxylative coupling reaction. We have also developed alcohol-alcohol coupling and alcohol arylation reactions. These reactions have been widely adopted and published in the literature by pharmaceutical and agrochemical companies".
What excites you most about your current work?
"I am excited about the rapid adoption of new chemical reactions we develop. It's thrilling to see something that was unknown on a Monday become widely used by Friday. This quick adoption is particularly exciting for graduate students, as it gives them a sense of real-world impact".
With the new availability of high-intensity light modules, are you experimenting with different wavelengths and intensities of light in photoreactions?
"We have been using high-intensity light modules for about a year. They are incredibly valuable as they allow us to perform reactions faster, achieve better yields, and enable certain chemical reactions that otherwise wouldn't occur. These modules make our processes more efficient and optimized.
We are very pragmatic. We use whatever works best for a given reaction. We often investigate a range of wavelengths for the catalysts we use. High-intensity UV light is used for some reactions, while milder light in the 420-450 nm range is better for others. The choice depends on the chemical reaction and the catalyst".
How has the field of photocatalysis evolved in recent years?
"The Nobel Prize was awarded for a different type of chemistry, but the exposure has certainly helped solidify the field of photocatalysis. Photocatalysis is now utilized globally, and it's common to see new transformations using photoredox catalysis in chemistry journals. The field continues to grow and innovate".
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What advice do you give to graduate students entering the field?
"Number one, have fun. Take your career seriously, but don’t take yourself too seriously. Be driven, be excited. Learn as much as you can about the field, but realize the boundaries. As scientists, part of our job is to invent the future, and it helps to know the past. Some people define themselves as creative. Some people don't, and one of my jobs as head of a research group is to explain that anyone can be creative. It's not as inherent as people seem to think it is. You just have to be put in an environment that allows you to be creative.”
Are there any significant challenges or barriers in your research?
"One of the critical aspects of using photoreactors is their consistency and high photonic power. Without these, the chemical reactions just don’t work. The photoreactors developed by Acceled are both consistent and powerful, which is crucial for robust and repeatable results.
The future of chemical research lies in continuous innovation and collaboration. Despite significant funding cuts to research, the potential for new discoveries remains high. Collaborations with commercial entities are essential for translating scientific discoveries into real-world applications".
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