Research Projects

Carbon–carbon bond formation and cleavage are fundamental to organic synthesis. While many strategies exist for C–C bond construction, selective cleavage remains challenging due to the stability and steric hindrance of these bonds. Strained ring systems like cyclopropanols offer a valuable solution, enabling C–C bond activation via ring strain release. These compounds undergo ring-opening through either C1–C3 or C2–C3 bond cleavage, acting as synthetic equivalents of homoenolates or allylic intermediates. This unique reactivity has been widely exploited in transition metal-catalyzed transformations, enabling the synthesis of aryl, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, carbonyl, halogen, and cyano derivatives via ring-opening or β-carbon elimination. Despite significant advances, current methods remain limited in scope, underscoring the need for new, selective, and versatile synthetic approaches.This research proposal aims to further unlock the synthetic potential of cyclopropanols by developing five innovative, transition metal-catalyzed protocols for their ring-opening reactions with a range of substrates. These strategies are designed to access a diverse array of biologically and synthetically valuable carbocycles and heterocycles. Specifically, the project proposes:  Synthesis of 2-acyl/aroyl quinolines via metal-catalyzed C–C bond cleavage of cyclopropanols with anthranils.  Construction of indolo[1,2-a]quinolines through coupling of cyclopropanols with 2-(2-iodophenyl)-1H-indoles.  Formation of cyclopentadiene derivatives through key α-aminoallenoate intermediates from the reaction of cyclopropanols and β,γ-alkynyl-α-imino esters.  Synthesis of benzazepine scaffolds by engaging cyclopropanols with para-quinone methides.  To access naphthol-substituted heterocycles through metal-catalyzed reaction of cyclopropanols with 2-iodochalcones. In all the proposed transformations, the key initiating step is a transition metal-catalyzed ring opening of cyclopropanol, generating a reactive intermediate that undergoes selective C–C or C–N bond formation, determined by the nature of the coupling partner. Collectively, these methodologies offer novel synthetic routes to structurally complex and potentially bioactive molecules, with broad applications in medicinal chemistry and materials science. The project is planned over a 24-month timeline, encompassing method development, reaction optimization, substrate scope exploration, and dissemination of findings.