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Light-driven Catalytic Processes for the Stereoselective Functionalisation of C(sp3)-H Bonds

Project description

Green methods for synthesising chiral molecules

The production of valuable compounds for pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and fine chemicals from renewable sources has the potential to minimise reliance on fossil fuels. The exploitation of biomass and agricultural waste combined with advanced catalytic technologies can assist drug manufacturing while aligning with green chemistry principles, reducing waste and energy consumption. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the LIGHT-HAT project will address this need by integrating advanced techniques in asymmetric catalysis and photochemistry. The idea is to transform simple carbon hydrogen bonds in common substrates into complex chiral molecules. Project findings are expected to enhance sustainability and facilitate knowledge transfer.

Objective

One pressing challenge is to develop new sustainable processes to convert abundant chemicals into added-value chiral products, thus using natural resources responsibly. The LIGHT-HAT project seeks to provide solutions by developing innovative stereoselective transformations that use abundant substrates, including feedstock and naturally occurring molecules. We will achieve this goal by combining advanced concepts of asymmetric catalysis, such as metal-based cross coupling and organocatalysis, with photochemistry. Specifically, we will directly functionalise carbon–hydrogen (C–H) bonds (the most abundant moiety in organic molecules) to enable one-step access to complex chiral molecules from readily available C-H substrates, including alkanes and natural products. To achieve this, we will use light-activated catalysts that, via Hydrogen Atom Transfer (HAT) mechanisms, can selectively activate strong unactivated C(sp3)–H bonds at sites that are unreactive for traditional methods. The project will benefit from a collaboration with Bayer AG, which will aid in identifying suitable biologically-relevant C-H substrates to be employed in the developed processes.
The planned research combines perfectly the fellow’s experience in metal catalysis and radical chemistry with the host’s experience in light-triggered asymmetric processes. LIGHT-HAT brings a new industrial collaboration to the host institution and transfers knowledge of advanced techniques in asymmetric organocatalysis and photochemistry to the candidate”, contributing to sustainability and European excellence. An ambitious training program will transfer several new scientific and soft skills to the applicant. The project’s intersectorial nature will broaden the fellow’s competencies and place him in a competitive position for his next career move.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

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

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Call for proposal

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

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Coordinator

ALMA MATER STUDIORUM - UNIVERSITA DI BOLOGNA
Net EU contribution
€ 188 590,08
Address
VIA ZAMBONI 33
40126 Bologna
Italy
Region
Nord-Est Emilia-Romagna Bologna
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost
No data

Partners (1)