Our main goal is to develop innovative synthetic methodologies that align with the contemporary principles of green chemistry, with a strong emphasis on optimizing step and atom efficiencies. Specifically, our research revolves around the application of transition metal catalysis in achieving selective functionalization of C–H bonds. This encompasses various aspects such as catalyst design, reaction conditions development, and in-depth mechanistic investigations. In addition to utilizing conventional directing groups, we are actively exploring the use of inherent directing groups to control the regioselectivity through electronic factors or coordination mechanisms. Furthermore, we are also focusing on the in-situ modification of directing groups as an alternative approach to achieve sustainable transformations.
Catalysis for Heterocycles Chemistry
Heterocycles, with their diverse structures and extensive applications in pharmaceuticals, materials, and agrochemicals, often necessitate targeted modifications at specific positions to enhance their properties. In this regard, our research group is actively engaged in the development of innovative catalytic methods for C–H bond functionalization in heterocycles. We explore various transition metals (Pd, Ru, Rh, and Ir) in conjunction with directing groups or ligands to achieve selective transformations. Additionally, we anticipate the use of cascade reactions initiated by C–H bond activation, offering efficient synthetic routes to access a wide range of diverse heterocyclic compounds.
Catalysis to Upgrade Phosphorus-Containing Molecules
Ligand properties display remarkable variations, with even minor differences capable of exerting a substantial impact on the yield, selectivity, and efficiency of catalytic reactions. In our research, our objective is to construct extensive libraries of phosphines and unlock novel reactivities. To achieve this goal, we are developing innovative methods to diversify phosphines through catalytic C–H bond functionalization using trivalent phosphorus as inherent directing group. Additionally, we are exploring the potential application of these catalytic transformations in the synthesis of organic materials incorporating phosphorus atoms.
Catalysis to Improve Properties of Luminescent Materials
There is a significant demand for the design of luminescent organometallic complexes with customized properties, aimed at discovering complementary photoredox catalysts, developing enhanced lighting devices, or synthesizing specific biological probes. The electroluminescent characteristics primarily rely on the structural design of cyclometalated complexes. Building upon our catalytic approaches centered on C–H bond functionalization, we have devised novel strategies to create (fluorinated) 2-arylpyridine compounds incorporating bulky or chiral substituents. These modifications aim to enhance the properties of the corresponding iridium or platinum complexes, particularly in terms of quantum yield or circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) properties. Furthermore, we have recently revealed a groundbreaking finding that Pd-catalyzed C–H bond arylation can be directly applied to cyclometalated complexes with even greater efficiency an approach called “catalysis-on-the-complexes.”
Catalysis under Light Activation
Photoredox catalysis has emerged as a sustainable methodology in organic synthesis because it enables the facile generation of open-shell reactive intermediates (molecules containing unpaired electrons). This is typically achieved through a single electron transfer (SET) or proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) process. This innovative approach unveils new reactivities due to lower energy barriers. In our pursuit to explore novel reactivities in photoredox methods, we endeavor to develop organic- and metal-based molecular catalysts and fully characterized their photophysical properties. This work combine with comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms allows us to design optimized organic transformations, specifically focusing on C–H bond functionalization and C–O bond cleavage.
