This RPG in the Organic Synthesis Program to Professor Romo of Texas A&M University will be used to elaborate the chiral catalysis of 2 + 2 cycloadditions for the synthesis of 2-oxetanones. These compounds which are better known as beta lactones are important moieties in many physiologically active chemical compounds. Moreover, these types of monomers are used in polymerization reactions and in organic synthetic strategies. The control of catalytic processes in such a way as to yield chiral products is an important goal. This proposal has this goal and appears to be an excellent opportunity to find new ways of synthesizing physiologically active compounds. These results will be useful in the medicinal chemistry and polymer fields.
