Research Projects

Organocatalytic asymmetric synthesis has developed as a strong and appealing approach for the construction of enantiomerically enriched molecules, mostly those employed in pharmaceutical applications. This proposal aims to develop and explore novel asymmetric reactions of tosyliminoindolines, indoline-2-thiones, benzofuranones, and 3-sulfonylphthalide frameworks using chiral organocatalysts to achieve highly enantioselective construction of heterocyclic scaffolds, which are privileged compounds found in bioactive natural compounds and therapeutic candidates. This project aims to develop an organocatalytic platform for the enantioselective synthesis of synthetically and pharmacologically important nitrogen-oxygen containing heterocycles. These scaffolds are core structural motifs in a wide array of biologically active compounds, including alkaloids, amino acids, lactams, and antibiotics. The current approach focuses on asymmetric transformations that use chiral organocatalysts to activate a variety of nucleophilic substrates, including indoline-2-thiones, benzofurans, and isobenzofuranones, in the presence of electrophilic nitroolefins. These reactions are intended to take place under moderate, metal-free conditions in organic solvents at room temperature, with a focus on green and sustainable chemical principles. The use of structurally distinct bifunctional organocatalysts enables precise stereochemical control, allowing access to spirocyclic and fused heterocycles with high enantioselectivity. These frameworks are widely regarded as "privileged scaffolds" in drug discovery due to their prevalence in natural products and therapeutic agents. This methodology allows for a wide range of substrates and functional group compatibility, making it a useful approach for asymmetric synthesis of intricate compounds. Furthermore, findings from catalyst design and mechanistic knowledge are likely to broaden the range of organocatalytic strategies in medicinal chemistry.