Preparation and use of sulfur monoxide transfer agents

The Grainger research group has a long standing interest in the use of peri-substituted dithianaphthalenes and related dichalcogens for the stabilization and generation of reactive species in organic and inorganic chemistry (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2009, 48, 4832-4835; Org. Biomol. Chem. 2011, 9, 2336-2344; Organometallics 2014, 33, 4449-4460; Eur. J. Inorg. Chem., 2015, 3146-3156), including methodology for the generation and trapping of the reactive diatomic sulfur monoxide (Org. Lett. 2001, 3, 3565-3568; J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2011, 113, 5843-5852).

This PhD project will build on our previous work with the aim of developing new, structurally-related organic frameworks capable of releasing sulfur monoxide under milder conditions, and to extend this concept to the generation of other reactive di- and tri-atomic molecules.

The project is suitable for someone who wishes to carry out a PhD in organic synthesis, but who would also be interested in finding novel applications for their research, which may include areas outside of mainstream organic chemistry. There will also be an opportunity to spend 3 months in an American university as part of the PhD, working with an academic collaborator.