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Project title

Organocatalytic Asymmetric Additions of Sulfenate Anions

Primary Funding Agency

Irish Research Council

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

Lead Organisation

University College Dublin

Lead Applicant

Not listed

Project Abstract

BACKGROUND Organosulfur compounds, organic molecules containing carbon-sulfur bonds, have proved very useful in the chemical synthesis of biologically relevant molecules including many medicines (e.g., the antibiotic sulfonamides and pencillins). Thus, the development of better methods to access organosulfur compounds can enable the making of novel medicines and improve the ways of making existing ones. Using �catalysts� (molecules that can accelerate reactions but are only required in tiny amounts) for chemical synthesis can be more time-, energy- and material-efficient and environmentally friendly. Some organosulfur molecules, e.g., �sulfoxides�, can be �chiral�, they can exist in either left or right-handed forms which display different properties, especially as medicines. Making such compounds as only a single hand is challenging - the 2001 and 2021 Nobel prizes were awarded for developing catalysts that can do this. AIM I aim to develop reactions using small organic molecules (�organocatalysts�) to catalyse the formation of chiral organosulfur compounds. These organocatalysts can provide an alternative to use of heavy metal catalysts (which are often toxic and expensive) for making medicinal molecules. I will use organocatalysts in reactions of �sulfenate anions� to make carbon-sulfur bonds. The chemistry of sulfenate anions is underexplored and holds great potential. IMPACT I believe the use of organocatalysts in this way will make organosulfur medicines easier to make in a more sustainable way and thus more available. These will be particularly releveant to Ireland which has a large pharmaceutical industry, but will also have global relevance, as it will help to address the UN Sustainable Development Goals numbers 3(good health and well-being), 9(industry, innovation and infrastructure, 12(responsible consumption and production) and 13(climate action). The scholarship would also enable me to become a well-trained researcher and make many further scientific contributions to make the world a better place during my career.

Grant Approved

�123,000.00

Research Hub

Climate Change

Research Theme

3. Climate Solutions, Transition Management and Opportunities

Start Date

01/09/2023

Initial Projected Completion Date

30/08/2027