Development of asymmetric synthetic methods involving complexation of lithium ions by chiral ligands

One-hundred words maximum about the projects, with one sentence about the background, one about the specific topic/question addressed, one about main methods/approaches employed, one about specific experiences/profiling/gains the candidate will get, and finally one closing sentence about broader contribution/implication of the project.

Chiral complexation of lithium intermediates in reactions can lead to chiral products. One such example in the enantioselective control of the double Michael reactions delivering synthons that can form natural products and their analogues (the Jasmonolactones, Cinchona and Corynanthe alkaloids and derivatives thereof) which may open up a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of biological activity with assays.

There is scope here for a capable graduate student to undertake some target directed synthetic work and test their creative and technical skills. This project could boost the profile of synthetic organic chemistry at the university and form collaborative links on numerous grounds.