A study into the mechanism and utility of single electron reduction in organic synthesis
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Oxford
Department Name: Oxford Chemistry
Abstract
This proposal seeks to develop a new and more efficient way to prepare complex organic molecules. Our efforts will focus on the addition of electrons to a variety of organic compounds because this process can transform them into especially useful new derivatives.We aim to use an electron shuttle to transfer electrons from the surface of a metal to the organic compound in question; an understanding of the way that this works is of paramount importance if we are to optimise and harness it. By using a combination of electochemistry and preparative chemistry, we aim to delve deep into the mechanism of a complex process and emerge with a range of new reducing conditions.This will result in the development of selective new reduction reactions, which is important to chemical industry as well as academia because it enables valuable organic compounds to be prepared quickly and efficiently with minimisation of cost and waste produced.
Publications
Baron R
(2009)
Quantitative voltammetry of the reduction of methyl benzoate in THF reveals strong ion pairing of the radical anion with tetra- n -butyl cations
in Journal of Physical Organic Chemistry
Baron R
(2009)
Electrochemistry in tetrahydrofuran and at low temperature: protocol, procedures and methods ELECTROCHEMISTRY IN TETRAHYDROFURAN
in Journal of Physical Organic Chemistry
Donohoe T
(2009)
The effect of ortho-substitution on the efficacy of biphenyls in mediating electron transfer from lithium
in Tetrahedron
Rees NV
(2008)
Alkali metal reductions of organic molecules: why mediated electron transfer from lithium is faster than direct reduction.
in Journal of the American Chemical Society
| Description | Information of the details of electron transfer to enable selective synthesis of complex molecules. |
| Exploitation Route | Reactions used by others to make complex organic molecules |
| Sectors | Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| Description | Used to make complex organic molecules. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2007 |
| Sector | Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| Impact Types | Economic |