Iridium Photosensitizers Immobilized on Metal–Organic Layers Lead to Enhanced Enantioselectivity in Ni/Ir Dual Photocatalysis

Y Yuanzhao Peng (iChem State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Xiamen University 422 South Siming Rd., Siming District Xiamen Fujian 361005 P.R. China) D De Zhong (State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Xiamen University 422, South Siming Road Xiamen Fujian 361005 P.R. China) Y Yuhang Song (iChem, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering) Q Qiuling Wang (iChem State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Xiamen University 422 South Siming Rd., Siming District Xiamen Fujian 361005 P.R. China) K Kunyao Huang (State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Xiamen University 422, South Siming Road Xiamen Fujian 361005 P.R. China) H Haohua Huo (State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering) C Cheng Wang

Abstract

Abstract The Ir/Ni dual‐catalytic system plays a crucial role in asymmetric photocatalysis for synthesizing enantioenriched compounds. However, challenges such as the high cost and limited sustainability of Ir complexes hinder its broader application. In this study, we designed three metal–organic layers (MOLs) and immobilized functionalized Ir photosensitizers (Ir‐PSs) on their surfaces via coordination exchange or click chemistry, yielding six MOL–PSs hybrids. Chiral Ni complexes also adhere to the MOL surface through coordination bonds. These dual catalysts exhibited enantioselectivity (up to 99% ee) superior to that of Ir‐PF 6 in the asymmetric acylation of saturated N ‐heterocycles at α‐C(sp 3 )─H bonds. The enhanced enantioselectivity of the MOL–PSs over Ir‐PF 6 likely arises from steric change of chiral Ni complexes coordinating with hydroxyl or amine groups on the MOLs, which also form ion pairs with Ir‐PSs. This strategy demonstrates broad applicability across diverse chiral ligands and substrates, underscoring the potential of using MOLs in asymmetric photocatalysis to enhance both enantioselectivity and catalyst reusability.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 64, Issue 49
Published December 01, 2025
ISSN 1433-7851
Publisher Wiley

Journal Info

Angewandte Chemie International Edition

Wiley

ISSN: 1433-7851 Physical Sciences

Authors (7)

Y

Yuanzhao Peng

iChem State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Xiamen University 422 South Siming Rd., Siming District Xiamen Fujian 361005 P.R. China

D

De Zhong

State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Xiamen University 422, South Siming Road Xiamen Fujian 361005 P.R. China

Y

Yuhang Song

iChem, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

Q

Qiuling Wang

iChem State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Xiamen University 422 South Siming Rd., Siming District Xiamen Fujian 361005 P.R. China

K

Kunyao Huang

State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Xiamen University 422, South Siming Road Xiamen Fujian 361005 P.R. China

H

Haohua Huo

State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

C

Cheng Wang