PhD Studentship – Sustainable Routes to High Value Scaffolds: using thermochemical, photochemical and high pressure transformations to rapidly build and functionalise fluorinated 3D scaffolds

The project seeks to use thermochemical, photochemical and high pressure transformations in sequence to rapidly build and functionalise fluorinated 3D scaffolds.

The project draws on our experience in the synthesis of small fluorinated substrates, and in the investigation of how fluorination motifs modify their pharmaceutically relevant properties (hydrogen bond, acid/base, conformational and lipophilicity properties. In addition, it brings in the expertise in high pressure chemistry of our collaborators at The University of Rouen, Profs. Isabelle Chataigner and Jacques Maddaluno. Where appropriate, reaction sequencing and optimisation will be aided by the use flow chemistry techniques. There will also be opportunities for exchange visit to France and the potential to work with industrialist on projects of mutual interest and benefit. [See Linclau, B.; Wang, Z.; Compain, G.; Paumelle, V.; Fontenelle, C.Q.; Wells, W.; Weymouth-Wilson, A. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2016, 55, 674–678 (VIP). and Graton, J.; Wang, Z.; Brossard, A.-M.; Goncalves Monteiro, D.; Le Questel, J.-Y.; Linclau, B. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2012, 51, 6176–6180 (VIP)].

The PhD is part of wider European Regional Development Fund sponsored collaboration, LabFact, that aims to strengthen Cross-Channel academic and industry partnerships in synthetic organic chemistry for the benefit of our region. Its primary aim is to develop clean routes to fine chemicals and useful chemical scaffolds using sustainable techniques that minimise the use of chemical reagents (heat, light, electricity, high pressure etc.).