The Zuo Research Group is interested in aThe Zuo Research Group is interested in addressing long-standing synthetic challenges through the development of innovative catalytic platforms. We are particularly interested in the creative use of light energy and environmentally benign metals to achieve the direct activation of feedstock chemicals, including methane, light alkanes, and commonly occurring starting materials, for the syntheses of value-added products. We have been exploring ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) excitation of in situ formed metal complexes to generate various energetically challenging radicals and have achieved selective transformations of C(sp3)–H and C–C bonds. With powerful tools in organometallic chemistry, photochemistry, and photophysics, as well as flow technology, our group endeavors to develop practical synthetic processes for important basic chemicals and pharmaceuticals.