New approaches toward sustainable catalysis in the synthesis of bioactive small molecules

Abstract

In this proposal, the principal investigators will seek to develop new catalysts and strategies for the stereocontrolled preparation of small molecule building blocks. The main areas of investigation align with the strengths of the Pls and the goals articulated in this request for proposals. The creation of novel and selective methods for carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bond constructions is a problem of central importance in organic chemistry and we intend to focus on stereoselective variants that can be achieved with earth-abundant metal catalysts or with organic small molecule catalysts. A second aim that will be concurrently pursued is the development of new strategies and catalysts for the strategic redox functionalization of carbon frameworks taking advantage of reactions that only use O2 for oxidation or H2 for reduction. Again, a fundamental consideration in these studies will be the identification of useful, highly active catalysts that are nontoxic and readily available. Iron- and copper-based systems will be explored throughout the study. (AU)