Combining Proton-Reduction and Photoredox Catalysis for Heterocycle Functionalization

• Applicant: Professor Christopher Teskey, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Organic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 497336511

New strategies for building molecular complexity in organic synthesis shape fields as diverse as material science, medicine and agrochemistry, making a substantial impact on wider society. Transition metal catalysis has been one of the defining contemporary methods which has changed the way that we assemble molecules. However, reliable methods have required pre-functionalised starting materials and precious transition metal catalysts, as well as being more amenable to flat sp2 hybridised centres, which has dictated the types of structures that are synthesised. The aim of this project is to develop alternative, sustainable routes to the complex molecules of the future. We will do this by developing new oxidative methodologies based on dual and tri-catalytic systems which are driven by light, require no stoichiometric oxidants, and generate hydrogen gas as the only waste product. These methods will use catalysts based on earth-abundant first row transition metals and will be able to directly functionalise small molecules, particularly those containing sp3 hybridised carbon atoms, thus enabling the efficient generation of 3D complexity. Building on the preliminary results obtained in the group, robust methods will be developed and applied to the synthesis and late-stage functionalisation of drug-like, heterocyclic-compounds as well as in the synthesis of alkaloid natural products.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants