The PEACE project sought to tackle novel research and innovation (R&I) methods for creating diaryl all-carbon quaternary carbon centers through a pioneering photocatalyzed enantiodivergent approach. By utilizing a single chiral catalytic system, the project aimed to significantly reduce the methodology's costs. This involved devising substrate-based enantiodivergent strategies, relying on carefully chosen reaction partners to revolutionize the synthesis of both enantiomers of stereocenters encompassing diaryl quaternary carbon centers.
Specifically, the outcomes, results, and impacts of PEACE were expected to manifest in several dimensions: (a) Scientific Impact: PEACE aimed to expand knowledge in sustainable catalytic synthesis of all-carbon stereocenters, paving the way for new scientific approaches adaptable and scalable in both academic and industrial settings. This effort aimed to bolster investment in green R&I while educating researchers, both young and seasoned, on novel catalytic and sustainable processes. (b) Economic/Technological/Societal Impact: Furthermore, the project's outcomes aimed to address the pressing demand for a more sustainable future in high-value fine-chemical production. Designing innovative and economically sustainable approaches to quaternary stereocenters posed a significant challenge in the fine chemical industry. PEACE aimed to impact this sector by developing and designing a new divergent synthesis utilizing a single catalytic system, thus promoting a greener future. With a focus on medicinal chemistry, this project was poised to significantly decrease the overall synthesis costs of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).