Lundgren, Rylan (University of Alberta)

Purpose

The pharmaceutical and fine chemical sectors must prepare diverse, complex small molecules in a resource efficient manner. Consistent with this endeavor, our research group has established a series of chemical processes for the rapid construction of high-value organic compounds. Our novel strategy forms carbon-carbon bonds from stable and abundant precursors (aryl boronic acid and carboxylic acid derivatives) using a copper mediator or catalyst. Exceptionally mild conditions are enabled by the in situ regeneration of the copper promoter by oxygen in ambient air. This new methodology has been used to prepare polyfunctionalized chemical building blocks and to diversify drug molecules. In order to ensure uptake of the process by commercial partners and to expand our IP landscape we aim to: 1) demonstrate this method in the synthesis of pharmaceutically relevant, molecular substructures; 2) confirm the scalability/robustness of the process to deliver tens to hundreds of grams of product; 3) identify new catalysts that promote improved reactivity and scope at reduced metal-loadings; 4) further develop collaboration and licensing relationships with partners in the pharmaceutical/custom synthesis/chemical manufacturing sectors.