Virtual Lecture: Chiral Cyclopentadienyl Ligands for Group 9 Metals Catalyzed Enantioselective C-H Functionalizations

Lecture held on: July 28, 2022

Presenter

Prof. Nicolai Cramer – Director of Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, EPF Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland

The immense advances in selective activations and subsequent functionalizations of C-H bonds opened the door to new disconnections strategies and streamlined synthetic routes. The progress in enantioselective C-H functionalization is remarkable. However, the development of new catalytic enantioselective transformations remains challenging. The organic ligands surrounding the central transition-metal atom of the complexes are the key contributors to boost reactivity and selectivity. In this respect, chiral cyclopentadienyl ligands provide robust complexes with high-valent group-9 metals and emerged as powerful tools in asymmetric catalysis.

In this lecture, Prof. Nicolai Crameron focused on recent developments of chiral cyclopentadienyls as ligands for rhodium, iridium and cobalt and their application potential in enantioselective C-H activations for a streamlined access to relevant small molecules. Moreover, Prof. Crameron highlighted differences and common reactivity between the triad and share struggles and successes to replace precious metal catalysts with their more abundant cobalt congerer.