Novel strategies for C-C/X bond formation

Abstract: The formation of C-C/X bonds is essential for the manufacture of a broad range of chemicals and materials used in areas critical for maintaining quality of life in modern society, e.g. pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and polymers, and for aspects of research in organic chemistry. The use of catalysts for facilitating these reactions is highly desirable due to the improvements in energy and atom economies that can potentially be achieved.The primary objective of the thesis was to explore novel approaches for catalysis of C-C/X bond-forming reactions, both through C-H activation. In paper I, at unable cobalt catalyzed C-H activation-driven annulation of benzamides with unsymmetrical diynes was developed, where either 3- or 4-substitution of the isoquinolone could be steered by the nature of the diyne used. Anunprecedented iridium catalyzed tandem bis-arylsulfenylation of indoles was described (paper II), where an adamantoyl sacrificial directing group plays a key role in the simultaneous direction of arylsulfenylation to the 2- and 4- positions. In paper III, a flow reactor in a lab-on-a-chip device was developed for the Suzuki cross-coupling reaction. Miniaturization provides the opportunity to reduce material consumption. Polyethyleneimine (PEI)-brushes were used for the immobilization of Pd-nanoparticles, and high efficiencies were observed. Collectively, the research underpinning this thesis provides new strategies forC-C and C-X(S) bond formation.