Non-covalent assembly-enabled selectivity in aqueous microdroplets

Publikation: Beitrag in Fachzeitschrift › Forschungsartikel › Beigetragen › Begutachtung

Beitragende

  • Zhiheng Ma - , Nanjing Forestry University (Autor:in)
  • Pengju Wu - , Nanjing Forestry University (Autor:in)
  • Xianlong Zhou - , Nanjing Forestry University (Autor:in)
  • Lingchao Cai - , Nanjing Forestry University (Autor:in)
  • Thomas Heine - , Professur für Theoretische Chemie, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Yonsei University (Autor:in)
  • Yu Jing - , Nanjing Forestry University (Autor:in)

Abstract

In microdroplets, various reactions are known to be accelerated. Yet, controlling chemoselectivity within droplets remains largely unexplored. Here, we show that non-covalent self-assembly in sprayed microdroplets enables selective, catalyst-free, ambient-temperature hydrogenation of multifunctional biomass-derived molecules. Using 5-hydroxymethylfurfural as a model system, we reveal that hydrogen bonding between its hydroxyl and aldehyde groups promotes supramolecular assembly, which selectively shields the carbonyl and hydroxyl moieties while exposing the furan ring to reduction. Spectroscopic measurements and density functional theory calculations confirm that this organization governs site-specific reactivity in the absence of external reductants or metal catalysts and amplify the electric field effect. Substrates lacking analogous hydrogen-bonding motifs undergo competing oxidation, underscoring the mechanistic role of molecular recognition. The strategy extends to furfural and furfuryl alcohol, demonstrating tunable product selectivity. These findings establish a general design principle in which confined microenvironments and supramolecular assemblies cooperate to direct chemoselectivity, offering a sustainable approach to selective transformations beyond conventional catalysis.

Details

OriginalspracheEnglisch
Seiten (von - bis)8281-8290
Seitenumfang10
FachzeitschriftChemical science
Jahrgang17
Ausgabenummer16
PublikationsstatusVeröffentlicht - 29 Apr. 2026
Peer-Review-StatusJa

Schlagworte

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