Objective
Arenes are ubiquitous structural motifs, indispensable to the development of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and materials. However, selectively functionalizing their C(sp2)–H bonds in a general manner remains a central challenge. While the merger of radical chemistry with transition-metal catalysis has revolutionized synthesis, applying this powerful synergy to undirected arene activation has proven exceptionally difficult. A general method does not exist.
This proposal aims to overcome this barrier by developing a novel ligand platform that establishes the first general method for nickel-catalyzed, undirected C(sp2)–H functionalization. By harnessing nickel’s unique open-shell character, this strategy will pioneer the general merger of radical pathways with undirected C(sp2)–H activation, a currently undiscovered approach. This paradigm shift will enable broadly applicable synthetic transformations to forge C–C and C–heteroatom bonds, bypassing traditional limitations.
Three integrated goals will guide this work:
1. Catalyst Development: Building a novel and modular ligand library to systematically identify optimal frameworks for undirected arene C–H activation.
2. Mechanistic Elucidation: Characterizing key Ni intermediates to understand their stability and reactivity, guiding the iterative design of more robust catalysts.
3. Method Development: Creating novel synthetic methods by merging photochemical and electrochemical techniques with Ni catalysis, opening unexplored pathways for arene functionalization with direct pharmaceutical applications.
The fundamental ligand architectures developed here are also poised to impact other challenging ligand-assisted reactions beyond C–H activation. Together, this project will deliver a transformative ligand platform that unlocks elusive mechanistic pathways in nickel catalysis, enabling broadly useful and sustainable synthetic transformations.
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2026-STG
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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.
1165 KOBENHAVN
Denmark
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.