The University of Bern and RIKEN develop greener chemistry for pharmaceutical production

A team of researchers from the University of Bern and Japan’s RIKEN Institute has achieved a major breakthrough in sustainable chemistry by developing a novel method to synthesize organic molecules using sodium and iron—two abundant, non-toxic metals. The innovation could pave the way for more environmentally friendly production of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals.

As sustainability becomes a growing priority across industries, the chemical sector is under pressure to reduce its reliance on rare and expensive metals such as palladium. The new research, published in Nature Synthesis and funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation, demonstrates that organosodium reagents, once considered too reactive for practical use, can now be safely and effectively employed in combination with iron catalysis to perform key chemical transformations.

The breakthrough was made possible through a close collaboration between the University of Bern and Japan’s RIKEN Institute, combining expertise in organometallic chemistry and catalysis to overcome longstanding challenges in sustainable molecule synthesis.

The team, led by Prof. Dr. Eva Hevia from the Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Bern, collaborated closely with the Japanese experts in organic chemistry and catalysis. Together, they developed a cross-coupling reaction—a process that allows different molecular components to bond—using sodium as a reagent and iron as a catalyst. This approach not only enhances efficiency but also significantly reduces the environmental footprint compared to traditional methods.

“Reactions catalyzed by metals are essential for the production of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and materials,” explained Dr. Andreu Tortajada, co-author of the study. “Replacing precious metals like palladium with sustainable alternatives such as iron is a game-changer.”

The results open new possibilities for the chemical industry to move toward more resilient and sustainable production models, especially in light of growing concerns over global supply chain disruptions and metal scarcity. The researchers believe the method could also benefit other fields, including materials science and energy technology. Hevia’s team plans to further investigate the potential of organosodium chemistry, aiming to unlock new applications and redefine how complex organic molecules are synthesized at scale.