Research Projects

Organoboron compounds are crucial in modern organic chemistry due to their versatility in transition-metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions, allowing the formation of complex molecules from simple building blocks. They are also used as synthetic intermediates in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, liquid crystals, and organic light-emitting diodes. The approval of new boron-containing drugs, such as Velcade® and Kerydin®, has led to increased interest in research on efficient methodologies for introducing boron moiety into organic molecules. Homogeneous transition metal-catalyzed borylation is considered one of the most efficient methods for synthesis of organoboron derivatives, but it requires inert atmosphere, non-recyclable catalysts, and ligands. Trace metals in products limit its application in these industries. There is a growing interest in developing a convenient, recyclable, less toxic, and economical catalyst system for the preparation of organoboron compounds. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)-based catalysts have become one of the fastest-growing applications, and the development of N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs)-functionalized MOF materials has attracted considerable interest. This proposal combines NHC with MOF and studies the catalytic activity of these compounds towards alkyl and aryl C-H and C-X borylation reactions. The work aims to develop an efficient recyclable NHC-functionalized MOF as a catalyst with suitable ligand systems.