2026/01/01 by Natalia Takata, Natan de Moura Uchiyama, Natan M. Uchiyama +2
Chemistry · Materials Science · Engineering · #Radical Photochemical Reactions #Photochromic and Fluorescence Chemistry #Innovative Microfluidic and Catalytic Techniques Innovation
paper · doi:10.21577/0103-5053.20260124
A new accessible and modular photoreactor has been developed. Its “do it yourself (DIY)” format allows the LEDs arrangement to be adapted to the reaction requirements, whether in the distribution of the LEDs or the desired wavelength. The model uses inexpensive and readily available materials, as well as offering practical assembly with a detailed instruction guide. The planned design, with the use of three orthogonal fans and assembled above an aluminum heatsink, demonstrated effective temperature control in two different solvents often used in various photoreactions, preventing issues related to overheating. The photoreactor was validated using two previously reported reactions: a photocyclization of N-aryl-enaminone and a copper catalyzed C–O coupling. The system demonstrated reproducibility across the reaction vials, as well as satisfactory yields when compared to those reported in the literature due to the combination between removal of excess heat and the presence of reflectors, which ensure uniform light incidence irrespective of the positioning of the vials in the reaction. This equipment enables robust photochemical transformations to be carried out, even with limited resources and with basic crafting skills.