Boron-Directed C-H Activation: Double Direct Functionalisation of CH Bonds

Organic molecules contain multiple carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds, so achieving a selective reaction at only one site is very challenging. Metal-catalysed reactions of C-H bonds can offer a potentially powerful approach both to the functionalisation of entirely unactivated bulk chemicals (hydrocarbons, arenes), and for late-stage functionalisation of complex molecules such as pharmaceuticals, provided selectivity can be achieved. In this project, we will examine a new approach where we will use a boron group in an organic molecule to control the selectivity of metal-catalysed C-H functionalisation reactions. A range of structurally novel boron compounds will be synthesised and their reactivity in C-H activation reactions explored. As carbon-boron bonds are very versatile in their ability to undergo a variety of highly selective chemical reactions, the products of our new C-H functionalisation reactions will then be examined as useful building blocks for organic chemistry.
The research project falls within the EPSRC areas of Catalysis and Synthetic Organic Chemistry within the Physical Sciences research theme. The technology developed in this project could find application within the EPSRC themes of Healthcare Technologies and Manufacturing the Future by facilitating the future design and development of novel pharmaceuticals.