[China has developed a new type of diquaternary ammonium salt catalyst and successfully achieved precise control of a special type of substitution reaction] According to news from West Lake University, on November 10, Deng Li’s team from the school of science of the school developed a new type of diquaternary ammonium salt catalyst using the “anti-malarial ancient drug” cinchona base, and successfully achieved precise control of a type of special substitution reaction, providing new ideas for asymmetric catalysis research. In organic synthesis, SN2 reaction is widely used in the production of pharmaceuticals, daily necessities, and pesticides. This reaction is like a "group-changing game" between molecules: the old group of the molecule is replaced and a new group is attached. "A large number of tests have proven that this catalytic system does not choose raw materials, is suitable for many reaction substrates of different structures, and can synthesize special chiral molecules that were difficult to prepare in the past." Deng Li said that in the future, he will continue to optimize the cinchona base catalytic system, expand the range of available raw materials, and further explore the application potential of this catalyst. (Science and Technology Daily)