PhD in Chemistry: Electrochemical Amination

Prof. Marc Pera Titus (https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/people/view/2460080-pera-titus-marc

and Dr Louis Morrill (https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/people/view/69691-morrill-louis)

are looking for a PhD student to work on the research project

Exploring Electrochemical Amination Pathways for Preparing Added-Value Amines from Biobased Substrates

Organic electrochemistry represents one of the cleanest possible chemical processing technologies. When wielded appropriately, just a single electron is all that is needed to initiate a reaction cascade that can result in the formation of complex molecules. Such cascades cannot often be accessed by other means. It is proven that electrochemistry has excellent potential to provide improved sustainability metrics and environmentally acceptable synthetic sequences, yet its adoption is far from widespread. Consequently, the breadth of its application as a technique to access useful chemical entities is yet to be fully realized. By careful tuning of electrochemical parameters, specific single electron transfers (oxidation and reduction) can be targeted, accessing powerful radical intermediates that have unique reactivity and chemoselectivity. To this end, a collection of challenging electrochemical transformations, including electrochemical amination, involving both carbon-based and N-centered radicals will been developed.

This program will significantly advance synthetic organic electrochemistry, developing powerful transformations in a sustainable fashion. A highly motivated and dedicated student will gain a thorough training in synthetic organic chemistry and be rewarded with a highly stimulating project that will shape the future of this exciting new research program.

Recent publications from the supervisors in this area include organic electrochemistry (Chem. Commun., 2022, 58, 8659; Org. Lett., 2022, 24, 3890; Chem. Commun., 2021, 57, 12643; Org. Lett., 2019, 21, 9241) and amination (Appl. Catal. A: Gen., 2022, 643, 118710; J. Org. Chem., 2021, 24, 17896; Appl. Catal. B: Environ. 2021, 286, 119942; Eur. J. Org. Chem., 2020, 24, 3552; Nat. Catal., 2019, 2, 773)

Academic criteria

Candidates should hold or expect to gain a first class degree or a good 2.1 and/or an appropriate Master’s level qualification (or their equivalent). Applications are particularly welcome from students with experience in organic synthesis and/or synthetic electrochemistry.

English Language

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent) English language requirements for postgraduate students - Study - Cardiff University

How to apply

For any informal enquiries please email Prof. Marc Pera Titus (peratitusm@cardiff.ac.uk) or Dr Louis Morrill (MorrillLC@cardiff.ac.uk).

To apply please complete an online application, stating your supervisor’s name(s) and provide details of your qualifications, including a CV and a brief covering letter outlining your motivation and experience for the position

Chemistry - Study - Cardiff University

Start date - 1st July or 1st October 2023

We reserve the right to close this advert should sufficient applications be received.