Boron-Boron Exchange Catalysis

This PhD studentship will develop and demonstrate a new catalysis manifold based on main group elements. The high reactivity of main group catalysts will be combined with the stability of a boronic ester. The main group catalyst will be used to functionalise the substrate and a boronic ester will be used to give a bench-stable product. The potential of this sustainable catalytic paradigm will be demonstrated in widely used and industrially important transformations.
Key objects: Synthesis, characterise and apply new main group catalysts in synthetically and industrially relevant transformations.
Key techniques: Organic and inorganic synthesis, reaction optimisation, catalyst development and improvement, compound characterisation. Novel combination of physical organic and inorganic reaction monitoring to catalyst mechanism and fundamental reactivity.