New Reactions: strategic synthetic disconnections via mechanistic design

To forge the game-changing molecules of today's world—from potent pharmaceuticals to cutting-edge materials—demands ever-more refined chemical tools. Our research is dedicated to crafting novel strategies for transforming simple precursors into functional molecules, harnessing unconventional mechanisms and ingenious combinations of reagents and earth-abudent-metal catalysts. Our explorations span five key domains: Organic photo(electro)chemistry, electrophilic coupling reactions, solid-state redox chemistry, synthesis of bioactive compounds, and depolymerization chemistry. While these areas may initially appear disparate, our group fosters a dynamic interplay between them, with each field enriching the others through a vibrant exchange of expertise. For instance, designing new catalytic systems based on earth-abundant elements is paramount for enabling the novel reactions we aspire to introduce to the synthetic community. We will delve deeply into the broader chemical landscape, drawing inspiration from both nature and the work of fellow chemists to inform our catalyst design approach. Concurrently, we will remain steadfast in our pursuit of novel reagents, seeking alternative processes that operate with greater efficiency, milder conditions, and enhanced selectivity, contributing to a greener economy and providing urgently needed new avenues for synthesis.