ELECTRORGANO · Constructing chiral molecules merging ELECTRochemistry and ORGANOcatalysis

Constructing chiral molecules merging ELECTRochemistry and ORGANOcatalysis

Drug discovery must identify successful lead candidates. As such, the development of new catalytic methods for the production of chiral molecules is extremely valuable. ELECTRORGANO seeks to synergistically combine two powerful modes of molecule activation, namely asymmetric organocatalysis and microfluidic electrochemistry, to provide an attractive new pathway for the formation of demanded chiral molecules. Both organocatalysis and electrochemistry possess extraordinary potential for the sustainable preparation of novel organic molecules, which are required to drive innovation within the pharmaceutical industry. However, the implementation of electrochemical methods for the design of stereoselective processes is still falling short, mostly due to the fleetingness of the radical ions intermediates generated on the electrode surface. ELECTRORGANO asks whether the use of an electrochemical microfluidic setup, coupled with asymmetric organocatalysis, can overcome these intrinsic limitations, rapidly providing chiral building blocks with high stereocontrol. Specifically, ELECTRORGANO aims at accomplishing, through the combination of microfluidic electrochemistry and asymmetric organocatalysis, three specific objectives: 1) The enantioselective α-functionalization of carbonyl compounds through aminocatalysis. 2) The enantioselective β-functionalization of carbonyl compounds through NHC catalysis. 3) Full understanding of the underlying mechanisms of these reactions. This project is highly interdisciplinary, involving different research areas such as asymmetric organocatalysis, electrochemistry, and microfluidics. As such, it is envisioned that the development of this new platform can generate breakthrough scientific papers, valuable discoveries and/or potential patents. This fellowship brings a two-fold transfer of knowledge: advanced techniques in asymmetric catalysis to the host institution and electrochemical methods and microfluidic flow chemistry to the fellow. Overall, the project’s multidisciplinarity and intersectoral nature will broaden the fellow’s competencies and will place him in a competitive position for his next career move.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union