Exploring Momoatomic Oxygen in Organic Synthesis

Low-valent reactive intermediates continue to play a central role in organic synthesis. But while we are taught about the generation and reactivity of carbenes and nitrenes, the chemistry of oxene – the low-valent monoatomic form of oxygen – remains virtually unexplored.

Recently, we have overcome the historic challenges of oxene generation by employing violet light and the ubiquitous two-electron oxidant periodate [1]. Through a process of targeted photoactivation, we can unlock a previously elusive pathway to selectively generate oxene under mild conditions. This approach allows us to convert abundant unsaturated carbon feedstocks into value-added oxygenated fragments, as well as explore late-stage oxygen-atom insertion into complex molecules and drug candidates.

The successful candidate will explore and develop new synthetic methodologies for oxygen atom insertion using visible light and how we can apply these to the preparation and functionalization of drugs and bioactive molecules. Mechanistic analysis of new reactions will be undertaken using a combination of experimental techniques including EPR spectroscopy, NMR, spectrofluorimetry, and electrochemistry.

For more information, please visit www.trowbridgegroup.net or contact Dr Aaron Trowbridge for informal enquiries (aaron.trowbridge@manchester.ac.uk).

[1] Bossonnet et al. Oxenoid reactivity enabled by targeted photoactivation of periodate Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2024, e202417402 (https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202417402)

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

Funding

At Manchester we offer a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level, to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers applying for competition and self-funded projects.

For more information, visit our funding page or search our funding database for specific scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

How to apply

Apply online through our website:  https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).