Low Valent Titanium-Mediated Organic Synthesis

Wayne State University, Detroit MI

Investigators

Abstract

This project is focused on the mechanistic and synthetic studies of low valent titanium-mediated carbon-carbon bond formation. Along with detailed mechanistic studies of the Kulinkovich cyclopropanation of carboxylic esters and derivatives, the project will be directed at the synthetic application of the readily available heteroatom substituted cyclopropanes for efficient construction of medium-sized carbocycles by taking advantages of relief of ring strain. Olefin exchange vs. carbometallation, intramolecular cyclopropanation of vinylogous amides, thioacetal-mediated intramolecular cyclopropanation, electrophilic addition of vinyl cyclopropanols, and utilization of cyclopropanols as homoenolates will be investigated. With this award, the Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry Program is supporting the research of Professor Jin K. Cha of the Department of Chemistry at Wayne State University. Professor Cha and his students will be developing transition metal mediated organic transformations that are economical and easy to execute. The project is of considerable significance to the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, as it could impact how organic molecules are prepared.