The aim of the project was to develop a Csp3 – Csp3 Suzuki-Miyaura coupling employing 1,1’-bisboryl alkanes with racemic allyl halides in asymmetric SMC reactions. We successfully achieved the desired transformation, however, the method had was not broadly applicable. Consequently, we turned
our attention exploring other asymmetric Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reactions.
We discovered a new asymmetric synthetic route towards carbocyclic C-nucleosides, an underexplored class of nucleoside analogues. The methodology featured addition of challenging heterocyclic boronic acids featuring multiple heteroatoms. The addition of nucleobase type boronic acid provides a great progression in SMC coupling reactions. The synthetic route provides access to a chemical space which was previously almost inaccessible. Biological activities of these small molecule are currently under studies and will be reported in due course.
We also realized enantioselective synthesis of dihydropyridines, providing quick access to known drug candidates such as Isoanabasine, Preclamol, Niraparib and PPAR agonists. The method features rhodium catalysed carbometallation in relatively unactivated/strained alkene providing a significant advancement in the field of asymmetric SMC coupling reactions.