New quiral metal catalysts and their applications in asymmetric catalysis

Abstract

Catalytic methods for the synthesis of enantiomerically pure compounds are of great importance for the preparation of pharmacologically active substances and for Fine Chemicals. The rational development of enantioenriched ligands allows the preferential preparation of one of the two enantiomeric products in reactions catalyzedby transition metals. The main topic of this research project is the development of new classes of enantioenriched ligands and their use on the synthesis of new chiral metal complexes. More specifically, it will cover two research lines: 1) the design of chiral half-sandwich complexes and its application for asymmetric transformations; 2) the synthesis of new ligands able to coordinate simultaneously to two metals (or a metal and a Lewis acid) and use them to create novel process involving, at least, a sequence of two distinct reactions. The success of this project will allow the development of a new research field in asymmetric catalysis. (AU)