The focus of this research involves the use of achiral templates to impact face selectivity and enhanced reactivity in the catalytic preparation of beta-amino acids. The project will develop three complementary methods for enantiocontrol using the concept of chiral relay: chiral relay in achiral templates, chiral relay in chiral ligands and chiral relay in achiral additives. In terms of practical value, alpha, beta-disubstituted beta-amino acids will be prepared and exo selective nitrone and nitrile oxide cycloadditions, Reformatsky reactions, allylations and pinacol couplings will be studied.
With this award, the Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry Program is supporting the research of Dr. Mukund Sibi of the Department of Chemistry at North Dakota State University Fargo. Dr. Sibi will focus his work on developing catalytic methodology for the synthesis of complex beta-amino acids in enantiomerically pure form. Beta-amino acids are of significance due to their biological properties and the project will have broader impacts in the pharmaceutical industry. The project also provides an excellent venue for the training of undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students.
