Dr. Nelson Lam

Abstract

The ability to view and utilise canonically inert C–H bonds as reactive functional handles has the potential to expedite the synthesis of organic compounds. Their ubiquity, however, also poses a paramount challenge in its differentiation and selective functionalization, particularly with positionally- and chemically-similar C–H bonds at remote sites. This talk discusses two complementary strategies in executing net C–H functionalization through 1) a proximity-driven/directed approach via Pd-catalyzed C–H activation for remote C–H activation/C–C bond functionalization, and 2) a mild iron-catalyzed rearrangement for a general ortho-C–H amination directed by abundant carboxylic acid motifs. Key insights relating to their reactivity and origins of selectivity will be outlined, in addition to their applications in facilitating intuitive bond disconnections for organic synthesis.