Objective The development of new methodologies for the preparation of biologically and industrially interesting compounds remains one of the fundamental challenges in chemistry. Aryl-aryl bond formation is one of the most important tools in modern organic synthesis. These biaryl motifs are very often found in pharmaceutical, agrochemicals, organic materials and natural products. Given the abundance of C–H bonds in organic molecules, the selective activation and use of these bonds in controlled synthetically useful transformations is an immensely important topic. In this context, direct C–H arylation has emerged as a powerful methodology for the synthesis of biaryls. However, in most methodologies described so far, the arene substrate must fulfil certain requirements such as containing strong electron-withdrawing or electron-donating groups, or bearing special directing groups. Substrates lacking this feature either are unreactive or must be used in large excess (often as solvents). The coupling of ‘simple arenes’, which are not considered as pi-electron-deficient or -rich remains challenging.The research outlined in this proposal aims at developing a new bimetallic catalytic methodology able to couple equimolecular amounts of ‘simple arenes’ under mild conditions. To do so, we envision a strategy involving a bimetallic double catalytic system. The pi-coordination of the non-activated arene to a metal fragment facilitates the C-H arylation catalysed by palladium complexes which followed by a ligand exchange gives the desired biaryl product, regenerating the initial arene catalyst.The realisation of the objectives of this project would result in a powerful tool for the synthesis of biaryls, coming from simple arenes, improving atom economy, efficiency and sustainability of the reactions, while reducing waste production. Fields of science medical and health sciencesbasic medicinepharmacology and pharmacypharmaceutical drugsnatural scienceschemical sciencesinorganic chemistrytransition metalsnatural scienceschemical sciencesorganic chemistryhydrocarbonsnatural scienceschemical sciencescatalysis Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2015-EF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2015 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinator THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER Net EU contribution € 183 454,80 Address OXFORD ROAD M13 9PL Manchester United Kingdom See on map Region North West (England) Greater Manchester Manchester Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 183 454,80