Catalyst comms get specific

C8SC02019A Selective activation of organocatalysts by specific signals

Organocatalyst selectively activates in response to light, hydrogen peroxide or acylase to control the rate of an aldol and Michael reaction

Scientists based in the Netherlands have used protecting groups to create signal responsive catalysts. The work is a step towards chemical systems that are analogous to the signal transduction mechanisms used by living cells to sense and communicate.