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Photocatalytic Methylations via Direct Methane Functionalization

Project description

Photocatalytic processes for direct methane functionalisation

Methane is an abundant but underutilised feedstock and a potent greenhouse gas. Current disposal methods are costly, creating a need for more efficient conversion strategies. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the MePhoCat project aims to develop efficient catalytic processes for direct methane functionalisation, using methane as a methylating reagent in carbon-methyl (C-Me) bond-forming reactions through bimetallic photoredox catalysis. The project will explore new pathways for using methane in cross-couplings, C-H methylations, and cascade cyclisations. Its goal is to reduce methane emissions and contribute to the UN’s global methane initiative and the EU’s target of zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Objective

Methane is one of the most abundant, underutilized carbon-based chemical feedstocks on the planet. Moreover, the simplest alkane is one of the most potent greenhouse gases in the atmosphere due to which United Nations has lunched the global methane initiative for achieving a 30% reduction in its emission by 2030. The current methodologies for the utilization and disposal of methane gas suffer due to being cost intensive and non-sustainable. As a result, there is an urgent need to develop protocols, which allow the transformation of this greenhouse gas into valuable products in a profitable manner.
On the other hand, the selective substitution of C-H bonds in drug candidates to C-Me bonds have often led to an average 100-fold increase in their biological activity (Magic Methyl Effect). As a result, protocols which allow the selective incorporation of methyl groups into organic substrates have gained wide attention.
The proposed project aims at developing efficient catalytic processes that allow direct methane functionalization by using it as a methylating reagent in a variety of C-Me bond forming reactions through dual transition metal photoredox catalysis. New pathways for the direct use of methane in reactions such as cross-couplings, C-H methylations and cascade cyclizations will be developed based on this novel bimetallic photocatalytic strategy.
It is envisioned that the proposed research will open new avenues for the utilization of methane as feedstock for the synthesis of drugs and biorelevant molecules, thus contributing to the reduction in the emissions of this gas and helping to reach UNs global methane initiative and to EUs European Green Deal objective of achieving zero net greenhouse gas emission by 2050.

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01

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Coordinator

UNIVERSIDAD DE SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 165 312,96
Address
COLEXIO DE SAN XEROME PRAZA DO OBRADOIRO S/N
15782 Santiago De Compostela
Spain

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Region
Noroeste Galicia A Coruña
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

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