Using light to create new chemical reactions without metals
Official title: Harnessing Electron-Donor-Acceptor Complexes to Enable Photo-Induced Metal-Free Cross-Coupling Reactions
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11077242 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new ways to change certain organic molecules without using metals, using light to make the process easier and more eco-friendly, which could help create better medicines for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $353,724 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM151227-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11077242 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals interested in novel drug therapies or those affected by conditions treatable with new pharmaceuticals.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not seeking new treatment options or who are not affected by conditions that could be addressed by new drug developments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new methods to modify organic molecules, particularly those containing C(sp3)–H bonds, without using metal catalysts. By harnessing electron-donor-acceptor complexes, the project aims to enable reactions that can directly functionalize these molecules in a more sustainable way. The approach involves using light to induce reactions that would otherwise be difficult or impossible, potentially leading to more efficient pharmaceutical synthesis. Patients may benefit from advancements in drug development that arise from these innovative chemical processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the creation of more effective and sustainable pharmaceuticals.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using electron-donor-acceptor complexes for chemical reactions, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Laulhe, Sebastien — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Laulhe, Sebastien
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.