The discovery of new reactions that convert feedstock chemicals into high-value targets is a central tenant of organic synthesis. Our group is interested in developing such reactions by leveraging the power of cofactor mimics as organocatalysts. In biochemical systems, cofactors are utilized by enzymes to enable a diverse range of chemical reactions. Over the past few decades, synthetic chemists have developed small molecule mimics of certain cofactors, and these efforts have led to the discovery of thousands of new transformations. Our research has focused on the use of quinone cofactor mimics to enable the synthesis of amines through α-C−H and C−C bond functionalization. These studies have fueled the development of several new methods for the synthesis of α-branched amines. The discovery and development of these transformations will be presented.

Cofactors as a source of inspiration for discovering new modes of catalytic activation

254th National Meeting (2017)

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