Periodic Reporting for period 1 - PHOTO ORGANO-Ir CAT (Photochemical cascade reactions by merging organo- and iridium catalysis: A stereocontrolled entry to molecular complexity.)
Okres sprawozdawczy: 2018-04-01 do 2020-03-31
The specific objectives were the following:
1. Design and optimise cascade reactions that take advantage of the unprecedented reactivity enabled by the photo-activation of iminium ions and exploit it in synergistic enamine/transition metal catalytic processes.
2. Functionalize and modify the compounds obtained using the above methodologies to access previously elusive natural-product-inspired architectures.
3. Evaluate the biological activity of the analogue libraries generated through bioassays and, eventually, modify and improve the most promising leads via fine modification of the previous structures
Research endeavours that the project have produced:
1. A novel photochemical asymmetric protocol that converts raw materials into value-added synthetic building blocks, by exploiting the reactivity of chiral organocatalytic intermediates (iminium ions) under visible-light irradiation.
2. A further unprecedented asymmetric photochemical protocol, which is currently under investigation.
3. Five written contributions, including scientific papers and outreach publications.
Furthermore, investigations and scientific outcomes within PHOTO ORGANO-Ir CAT deeply impacted both the professional and personal growth of Dr. Crisenza. During the project the researcher has broadened his knowledge over previously unexplored fields, such as radical reactivity and photochemistry. This exposed him to new challenges and settings, ultimately, strengthening his resilience as a scientist. On the other hand, during the time of the project, Dr. Crisenza has refined his science communication ability and mentoring skills, and acquired consistent managerial experience (leading research projects, recruiting interviews and involvement in journal peer-review process). All of these skills will be extremely beneficial for Dr. Crisenza to attain his career goal, which is to become an established top level independent investigator and lecturer in chemistry.