The focus of this research involves the development of catalytic, enantioselective Diels-Alder (DA) chemistry. New metal-salen complexes will be synthesized and heteroatom-substituted dienes will be developed for use in DA reactions. Further, metal-free catalysts that use hydrogen bonding rather than Lewis acids will be employed to promote the enantioselective process. The asymmetric catalysis capabilities of chiral alcohols and other hydrogen bond donors will be examined. The project will integrate crystallographic studies and molecular modeling into the work in order to develop models to rationalize observed enantioselectivities
With this award, the Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry Program is supporting the research of Dr. Viresh H. Rawal in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Chicago. Professor Rawal will focus on developing methodology for the selective catalytic preparation of chiral compounds. Specifically, enantioselective Diels-Alder (DA) reactions catalyzed by metal-salen complexes and metal-free catalysts will be carried out. There is great potential for broader impact of the work in the area for the pharmaceutical industry and the project also presents an excellent setting for the training of graduate students.
