Reductive Coupling Reactions via Polar / Radical Crossover

forthcoming

This fellowship project aims to establish a new suite of photocatalytic reductive coupling methodologies using feedstock starting materials that will allow the efficient synthesis of important value-added compounds. Key to this proposal is the design and development of a reductive photocatalytic system comprising a suitable organic reductant and a photocatalyst that upon photoexcitation becomes simultaneously strongly Brønsted acidic and strongly reducing. Under appropriate reaction conditions the novel photon-controlled acidity would catalyse alcohol dehydration and concomitant single electron transfer (SET) to the arising carbocation would generate the free-radical capable of undergoing a broad range of synthetically useful intermolecular and intramolecular carbon-carbon bond forming processes The chemistry is particularly suited for generating fully substituted carbon atoms in a process where only water is the by-product. Based on these results, a new strategy for the synthesis of bioactive complex (alkaloid) natural products will also be developed. We anticipate that further advancement of these findings will revolutionize the synthesis of complex bioactive molecules using feedstock starting materials, and more broadly influence the way chemists design and access such intricate motifs. The POLARCROSS fellowship offers a high-quality and cutting-edge research platform that will enhance the state-of-the-art in European Commission funded research and will complement Dr. Wang's existing skills set. This fellowship will serve as a catalyst for enhancing the competencies needed to realize his career aspiration of securing an academic position at a top-tier institution and embarking on an independent research journey. Furthermore, it will nurture him into a seasoned, versatile researcher equipped with the diverse skill set required for the advancement of science and the betterment of society.