Photocatalytic synthesis of small-molecule drugs by porous framework materials

Small-molecule drugs are widely used in daily life. There are still issues with the current industrial synthesis techniques for small-molecule drugs, such as the use of expensive metal catalysts, convoluted reaction processes, and non-recyclable catalysts. The benefits of photocatalytic organic synthesis over conventional techniques are mild conditions, environmental friendliness, and great selectivity. Porous framework materials can precisely modulate catalytic sites' electronic state and ligand structure to improve photocatalytic performance. In particular, MOFs, COFs and PCCs based photocatalysts have received extensive research interest due to their unique morphology, structural adjustability, high photocatalytic performance, unique recyclability, excellent chemical stability, easy synthesis and low cost. Therefore, a key area for future research is the development of porous framework materials as photocatalysts for the synthesis of small-molecule drugs or drug precursors.(c) 2023 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.