Development of one-pot chemoenzymatic cascade hydrazone transformations

Modern synthetic chemistry, and in effect the production of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, still relies heavily on molecular transformations that inherently generate metal waste. In the CJ Li lab at McGill, we developed a “hydrazone” strategy that does the same transformation while generating only benign by-products (nitrogen and water). To expand the utility of this technology, we aim to integrate it into chemoenzymatic processes—combining enzymes with our approach to access molecules that either were previously inaccessible or require harsher conditions. To achieve this, we are teaming up with a world-leader in biocatalysis and protein engineering, Prof. Uwe Bornscheuer of Greifswald University (Germany). Through this international collaboration, not only will we leverage the synergy between technologies from both labs but also strengthen ties between our institutions.

Faculty Supervisor:

Chao-Jun Li

Student:

Partner:

Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität Greifswald

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Sustainability & the Environment

University:

McGill University

Program: