The focus of this research is to prepare phenylenes, compounds that have unique electronic properties due to the position of fused cyclobutadienes alternate with benzene rings. Also, new alkene and alkyne substrates will be subjected to cobalt-mediated [2+2+2] cycloadditions, including alkynylboranes and heteroaromatics systems. To test the validity of the approach, the challenging natural product morphine and the core of aspidospermidine, both systems having known or potential physiological activity will be targeted for total synthesis
With this renewal award, the Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry Program is supporting the research and educational activities of Dr. Peter C. Vollhardt in the Department of Chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley. Professor Vollhardt will focus his work on developing methods for the construction of novel aromatic molecules. The project will produce a new class of conjugated benzenoid hydrocarbons termed the phenylenes and will focus on the development of methodology for the synthesis of natural products. Broader impacts are strong in the area of training undergraduates, graduate students and postdoctorals.
