Title: Advancing Light-Triggered Alkyd Paint Curing: [(Cp)Fe^II(naphthalene)](PF₆) Catalysts with Enhanced Photosensitivity and Increased Performance in Pigmented Alkyd Paints
Authors: Jens Tolboom, Alexis K. Bauer, Johan Bootsma, Jitte Flapper, Michael L. Neidig, Bas de Bruin
Published: 6 July 2025 in ChemistryEurope

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🔬 What They Did

The researchers designed light-activated iron catalysts using naphthalene ligands to improve the drying of alkyd paints, particularly dark-colored ones where light penetration is poor.

They tested (Cp)Fe(naphthalene) and its methoxy-substituted analogues, namely [(Cp)Fe^II(L)](PF₆) (Cp = cyclopentadienyl, L = naphthalene, 5-methoxynaphthalene, 6-methoxy-naphthalene, 5,8-dimethoxynaphthalene), as replacements for earlier benzene-based systems ([(Cp)Fe^II(benzene)](PF₆)).

 

🔍 What They Found?

These new complexes absorb more visible light and generate active iron species more efficiently, enabling faster curing at lower catalyst loadings, even in blue and black paints.

 

🌍 Why It Matters

The catalysts eliminate the need for both cobalt and anti-skinning agents—typically volatile additives like 2-butanone oxime (MEKO) or other oximes used to prevent premature surface drying in paint cans—offering a safer, more sustainable curing approach.

 

🧩 Cool Detail

These catalysts are so efficient that they even enable the curing of black paints—normally a major challenge—using just ambient light within a reasonable time frame.