Research Projects

Catalyst design plays a key role in advancing sustainable chemical transformations, particularly in cross-coupling and borylation reactions, which are integral to modern synthetic chemistry. Cross-coupling reactions, such as Sonogashira, Suzuki-Miyaura, and others, have been instrumental in constructing carbon-carbon (C-C) bonds, forming the backbone of numerous organic molecules, including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and advanced materials. Similarly, borylation reactions, which result in the formation of carbon-boron (C-B) bonds, are gaining increasing attention due to the utility of organoboron compounds in synthetic organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and material sciences. This project focuses on advancing sustainable chemical transformations through the design of modified third-generation palladium (G3_M Pd) precatalysts, specifically tailored for C-C and C-B bond-forming reactions critical to synthetic chemistry. Initially, we experimented with third-generation (G3) precatalysts to explore their potential in the Sonogashira C-C and C-B bond formation reactions (unexplored yet by using these precatalysts). However, we encountered limitations in reactivity-either the reactions were too slow or less efficient. To address this, we decided to modify the catalyst by functionalizing the biphenyl core, aiming to tune the electronic and steric effects of substituents at various positions. Our goal is to create a versatile library of modified G3 palladium precatalysts with optimized electronic and steric properties. By adjusting the biphenyl core and pairing it with diverse phosphite ligands, we aim to boost catalytic activity, stability, reactivity, and selectivity under milder conditions, aligning with sustainable, energy-efficient practices. A core focus is the Sonogashira C-C coupling reaction at milder and copper-free conditions, essential for forming aryl-alkyne bonds found in pharmaceuticals and materials. Running this reaction without copper at ambient temperatures brings substantial green chemistry benefits (preliminary results are provided). We also plan to broaden its substrate scope, including bioactive natural products, to showcase the precatalysts direct applications. Beyond cross-coupling, we will explore these precatalysts in C-B borylation, essential for drug and materials development. We aim to refine aqueous-phase borylation using water as a solvent (preliminary results are provided) and investigate one-pot borylation/Suzuki-Miyaura reactions, enabling streamlined, eco-friendly synthesis. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies, combined with mechanistic insights, will guide the design of optimal substituent patterns and ligands for these catalysts. This project integrates computational, synthetic, and mechanistic approaches, advancing greener, high-performance palladium catalysis for C-C and C-B bond formation in modern, sustainable chemistry.