Overview

Our research activities focus on photooxygenation and organocatalysis, with applications in organic synthesis and antibacterial photodynamic therapy.

Our work encompasses the development of new synthetic methodologies, the design and discovery of novel photosensitizers, and the investigation of molecular architectures capable of trapping, storing, and releasing singlet oxygen.

Permanent members : Vincent Coeffard (CNRS Research Director), Pierrick Nun (Associate Professor)

Research

1. Chemical Reactivity

Our research focuses on the development of organocatalytic strategies and the controlled incorporation of molecular oxygen through photooxygenation. Driven by our interest in the catalytic synthesis of functionalized cyclic architectures and domino reactions, we have identified phenolic compounds, as electron-rich aromatic substrates, relevant candidates for cascade processes based on photooxygenation.

Publications : Adv. Synth. Catal. 2023, 365, 194 ; J. Org. Chem. 2021, 86, 18192 ; Chem. Commun. 2019, 55, 7398.

2. Photosensitizers

The theme of this research area is the design of novel molecular architectures for the generation of reactive oxygen species. Within this framework, concepts from supramolecular chemistry are harnessed to develop innovative photosensitizers.

Publications : Adv. Opt. Mater. 2025, 13, 2403076 ; J. Org. Chem. 2025, 90, 10037 ; Patent WO 2024/002966 – 2024 ; J. Org. Chem. 2020, 85, 10603.

3. Singlet Oxygen Batteries

Molecular systems capable of trapping, storing, and releasing singlet oxygen are particularly appealing owing to their potential applications across a broad range of chemical and biological fields. Our research focuses on the design and characterization of singlet oxygen traps based on arene and pyridone scaffolds.