Low-Valent Main Group Complexes

The unique electronic structural properties of p-black elements enable unusual reactivity patterns, including small-molecule activation and catalytic bond-forming transformations. Recent developments have demonstrated that carefully designed ligand environments can stabilise these highly reactive species while enabling controlled reactivity. In this research program, we aim to design and develop novel low-valent p-block complexes and explore their potential in catalytic C–C and C–heteroatom bond-forming reactions. 

Key Publications - 

1. Recent advances in the chemistry of isolable carbene analogues with group 13–15 elements Chem. Soc. Rev. 2024, 53, 3896-3951.

2. Cationic Silicon Lewis Acids in Catalysis
   Nat. Rev. Chem. 2020, 4, 54-62.

 Asymmetric Catalysis by p-Block Elements

Recent advances have demonstrated that p-block elements can induce high levels of enantioselectivity in key bond-forming reactions. The design of chiral p-block catalysts leverages stereoelectronic effects, hypervalency, and noncovalent interactions to achieve precise control over reaction pathways. This area of research challenges conventional paradigms by showing that main-group elements can rival or even surpass transition metals in selectivity and efficiency. In this context, our research aims to develop robust and scalable cationic p-block catalysts, confined within asymmetric ligand frameworks or paired with chiral counteranions, and to apply them toward the development of new enantioselective synthetic methodologies. 

Key Publications in the area - 

1. Recent Advances in Asymmetric Catalysis Using p-Block Elements
   Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2024, 63, e20231646

2. Asymmetric Catalysis With FLPs
   Chem. Soc. Rev. 2023, 52, 8580–8598.

High Throughput Experimentation

High-throughput experimentation (HTE) has emerged as a powerful platform for the rapid discovery and optimization of chemical reactions. By enabling the parallel screening of catalysts, ligands, additives, and reaction conditions in miniaturized formats, HTE significantly accelerates reaction development while reducing time and material consumption. In this research program, HTE will be integrated with catalytic method development to systematically identify efficient conditions for strained-ring functionalization and p-block catalysis. Data generated from these studies will provide mechanistic insights and guide the rational design of improved catalytic systems. Ultimately, this approach aims to establish a data-driven framework for the rapid discovery of selective and scalable synthetic transformations. 

Key Publications - 

1. Rapid planning and analysis of high-throughput experiment arrays for reaction discovery Nat Commun 2023, 14, 3924

2. The Evolution of High-Throughput Experimentation in Pharmaceutical Development  and Perspectives on the Future Org. Process Res. Dev. 2019, 23, 1213–1242