Embedding achiral catalysts within chiral cages for asymmetric catalysis

• Applicant: Dr. Xiang Sun
• Subject Area: Organic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 497533390

This project will utilize the prior expertise of the Nitschke group (the host group) to develop more advanced functions of cages for asymmetric catalysis. Metal-organic coordination cages open up new avenues for mimicking sophisticated enzymes in catalysis. Recent research in this field has demonstrated that chiral or achiral cages encapsulating additional chiral catalysts can act as reaction flasks for asymmetric catalysis.The main objective of this project is to embed catalysts in preformed enantiopure cages for asymmetric catalysis. By introducing chiral subcomponents during the self-assembly process, the Δ vs. Λ handedness of the metal stereocenters can be controlled, thus resulting in a chiral inner cavity with a single handedness. We hypothesize that the subsequent encapsulation of a catalytic species will enable enzyme-like catalysts. Encapsulation will lend robustness to the embedded catalysts, and the confined stereochemical environment will lend stereoselectivity to the catalytic reaction. To achieve the goal of asymmetric catalysis through embedding achiral catalysts in chiral cages, three major steps, synthesis of enantiopure cages, embedding catalysts within cages, and testing reactivity will be pursued in tandem.

• DFG Programme: WBP Fellowship
• International Connection: United Kingdom
• Host: Professor Dr. Jonathan R. Nitschke