Pushing the Boundaries of Catalysis for Chemical Synthesis: Palladium-Catalyzed Carbonylations and Photoenzymatic Catalysis

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Event details

Date 08.12.2023
Hour 11:0012:00
Speaker Dr. Yi Liu, Princeton University, United States
Location Online
Category Conferences - Seminars
Event Language English
Abstract

In this presentation, I will explore two catalytic paradigms—transition-metal catalysis and enzymatic catalysis—enhanced by photochemistry. While transition-metal catalysis, exemplified by palladium-catalyzed carbonylations, has revolutionized organic synthesis, limitations persist. Our approach uses visible light to decouple classical electronic and steric influences, overcoming hindrances in both oxidative addition and reductive elimination steps. Moreover, enzymes are unrivaled catalysts, exhibiting exceptional reactivity and selectivity. I will discuss expanding enzymatic reactions through photochemistry. We introduce new mechanisms, enabling the asymmetric synthesis of α-chloroamides and redox-neutral cross-coupling reactions. The latter opens a new avenue for Csp3-Csp3 cross-couplings using Flavin-enzymes.