Research Projects

TM-catalyzed direct conversion of C-H into C-C bonds is arguably significant in modern organic chemistry, as it permits the direct construction of complex target compounds which are otherwise only accessible via hectic multistep procedures. Despite sufficient novelty of the TM-catalyzed C-H bond functionalization, such as high regioselectivity, it does require stoichiometric amounts of expensive or noxius chemical reagents, for example copper (II) and silver(I) salts as oxidants, high reaction temperature which affects the overall sustainability of the transformation. In this context, there is no hesitation that electrocatalysis methodology has emerged as an mild alternative in designing of various C−H activation and cross-coupling reactions as in this case electricity performs the role of oxidant and only H2 and H2O are generated as a by-product. Inspired by the above facilities of electrocatalysis, this research proposal aims to develop a novel eco-friendly synthetic route towards functionalized complex N-heterocycles using electro-catalysed cascade radical cyclization and tandem C(sp²)-H bond activation. In this proposal, we wish to develop electro catalyzed multicomponent late-stage functionalization of biologically relevant nitrogen heterocycles via the generation of fluorinated lactam or sulfonated lactam moiety tethered alkyl radical and amino acid conjugated cyanoalkyl radical by two-fold radical cyclization on applying electric energy and their in-situ addition to distal C(sp2)-H bond of bio relevant heterocycles. With this particular focus in mind, the compatibility of a broad range of N-heterocycles with diverse functional groups will be studied. Moreover, the detailed reaction mechanism, as well as the systematic biological screening of the synthesized N-heterocycles, will be examined. We highly anticipate that, the development of such a domino electrocatalyzed C-H activation strategy will offer an important contribution to a novel, improved and more sustainable synthetic pathways to achieve densely functionalized N-heterocycles and is expected to be highly appreciated for drug discovery purposes.