Research Projects

Direct asymmetric C-H functionalization processes have the potential to alter the synthesis of complex enantioenriched compounds, making this field of research of great interest. C-H functionalization is step- and atom-efficient, opening doors for future synthetic applications in synthetic organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and drug discovery. Photochemical reactions offer a conspicuous exception to the general trend of synthetic organic chemistry, with the range of organic photoreactions being quite small. The biological activity of two distinct enantiomers is the basis for the production of enantiopure substances, such as L-DOPA used to treat Parkinson's disease but D-DOPA being biologically inactive. Synthesis of selective enantioenriched compounds is extremely desirable, and the combination of visible light mediated C-H functionalization and asymmetric synthesis is perhaps the ultimate challenge for synthetic organic chemists. In the initial stage of research, the author aims to contribute to visible light promoted asymmetric C-H functionalization reactions by synthesizing three types of chiral ligands: chiral amine catalyst, chiral imidazolidinone thioxanthone catalyst, and chiral phosphoric acid (CPA) catalyst. These ligands will be used in various applications, such as photoredox mediated β C-H functionalization of α,β unsatuarated aldehyde, enantioselective α functionalization of aldehydes, photocatalytic asymmetric hydroamination of cycloprpene, and functionalization of bioactive dibenzoxazepines derivatives. In conclusion, the author aims to achieve highly site selective C-H functionalization via visible light promoted reactions.