Transition metal-catalyzed nitrene and related species transfer reactions

A major challenge in the field of synthetic organic chemistry consists in the formation of carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds. These types of bonds occur frequently in molecules found in nature, and often under the form of heterocycles. The design of new reactions which provide access to both known and unknown heterocyclic motifs in a rapid and efficient manner, therefore, has a direct and important role in breaking down synthetic boundaries in the pharmaceutical and agricultural chemistry industries. In fact, many nitrogen-containing cycles have biological activities, and have found applications in the pharmaceutical industry. Nitrenes can be used as versatile building blocks, but are however inherently highly reactive. Transition metals can instead be used to fine-tune their reactivity. In this research project, I will participate in the development of novel methods to incorporate nitrogen and carbon atoms in complex molecular structures through the use of transition metal-catalyzed nitrene transfer.

Faculty Supervisor:

Fabien Gagosz

Student:

Partner:

Kyoto University

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Ottawa

Program: