C-C bond activation as a new trigger for metal-walk remote functionalization

• Applicant: Dr. Charlotte Sophia Teschers
• Subject Area: Organic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 525583521

The development of new pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and materials depends on the streamlined synthesis of tailor-made organic molecules. Synthetic organic chemistry commonly uses functional group interconversion to create new molecules and to tune the properties of know substances for specific purposes. So-called remote functionalizations have gained momentum as they enable the editing of less reactive groups in organic molecules. Herein, the scope of this approach shall be expanded by establishing a new starting point for these processes. The cleavage of C-C bonds, usually considered hard to activate, will be achieved in the cyclopropanol motif to enable a subsequent second chemical reaction in a remote position of the molecule in one transformation. This transformation will yield a variety of stereodefined quaternary centers α to aldehydes – an important scaffold in organic synthesis that is difficult to access by other methods. Moreover, the scope of this transformation will be explored to achieve the divergent synthesis of a multitude of differently decorated molecules form common precursors using different terminating (remote) functionalizations. The synthetic strategy proposed herein will find application in the construction of highly sought-after synthesis building blocks and biologically active molecules.

• DFG Programme: WBP Fellowship
• International Connection: Israel
• Host: Professor Dr. Ilan Marek