ESR 4 - University of Sheffield

Congratulations to Larry Hoteite!

Project: A Pd-Catalysed Annulation Strategy to N-Heterocycles

USFD are seeking to appoint an ESR (Early Stage Researcher) / PhD for 36 months to i) develop an enantioselective synthesis of functionalised piperidines; ii) explore diastereoselective functionalization reactions of these products; iii) investigate reactions of a catalytically generated dipolar intermediate with acceptor alkenes, expanding the scope of products accessible by this strategy. The ESR will develop a detailed understanding of DFT methods for modelling Pd-pi-allyl complexes bearing phosphoramidite ligands. Empirical data relating to ligand structure and reaction enantioselectivity will be interrogated by theoretical methods in order to devise a model that can be used i) to further improve the efficiency and selectivity of phosphoramidite ligands; ii) identify new ligand types as part of their Joint Degree Secondment at UPV/EHU. A further 3-month Industrial Secondment at Evotec will explore the diastereo- and chemoselective alkene functionalization of spiro- and bicyclic piperidines. Low molecular weight polar fragments will be prepared and their relevance as scaffolds for the synthesis of pharmaceutically relevant intermediates will be assessed.

Informal Enquiries may be sent to Prof Joseph Harrity

For further information and application details click here