ASYMMETRIC PHOTOCATALYSIS USING CHIRAL-AT-METAL LEWIS ACIDS: ENANTIOSELECTIVE GIESE-TYPE ALKYLATION AND AZETIDINE SYNTHESIS

Abstract

Chirality is a fundamental concept in various industries, especially in the pharmaceutical sector, where the demand for enantiomerically pure compounds has grown exponentially due to their importance in drug efficacy and safety. In this context, enantioselective catalysis, particularly asymmetric photocatalysis, has emerged as a powerful tool for the synthesis of chiral molecules. Notably, chiral metal-based catalysts, such as those developed by the Meggers group, which innovatively integrate photoactivation and stereocontrol into a single catalytic entity, have driven significant advances in the synthesis of bioactive compounds, combining efficiency, robustness, and high performance. Building on this promising framework, the present project aims to expand the scope of enantioselective photocatalysis by exploring alcohols as radical precursors in Giese-type reactions, an approach that could enable the selective functionalization of complex molecules. Furthermore, the project seeks to develop novel methodologies for the synthesis of monocyclic azetidines through the [2+2] cycloaddition of oximes with alkenes. Both strategies will be conducted using chiral metal-based photocatalysts, with a focus on maximizing reaction efficiency and sustainability, in alignment with the principles of green chemistry. These efforts have the potential to significantly contribute to the development of new synthetic platforms applicable to the production of high-value-added drugs and other bioactive compounds.