Name: Jedrzej Grzegorz Wysocki
Diploma / M.Sc degree: Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Poland
(June 2010)

PhD Project: Asymmetric Arene Hydrogenation Catalyzed by NHC-Transition Metal Complexes

Abstract of Research Project

The main aim of this work is the development of methods and strategies for the efficient catalytic asymmetric hydrogenation of aromatics and heteroaromatics. The asymmetric hydrogenation of unsaturated organic molecules is one of the most efficient methods for the preparation of enantiomerically pure compounds, and, consequently, of great importance for applications in academia and industry. Moreover, it is an economically and environmentally attractive method, generally being high-yielding, clean and producing no hazardous byproducts. Taking this into account, the asymmetric hydrogenation of aromatic and heteroaromatic compounds is a promising, however, also very challenging route to obtain enantiomerically pure saturated carbocyclic and heterocyclic compounds. The latter ones are very important building blocks and fragments of many biologically active compounds. However, this aim is very challenging. For example, the asymmetric hydrogenation of benzene rings is still an unsolved task in terms of reactivity and selectivity. Thus, in some cases valuable directing groups will be applied in order to facilitate the recognition of the substrate by the catalyst, increasing reactivity and selectivity of the hydrogenation process. Two concepts will be mainly explored. First, the design and synthesis of suitable substrates for the asymmetric hydrogenation process (including the use of synthetically valuable directing groups). Second one, the development of highly active and selective catalysts by the combination of a ruthenium or iridium complexes with chiral NHC ligands.



Publications

J. Wysocki, N. Ortega, F. Glorius
Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Disubstituted Furans
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 53 (2014), 8751 –8755.