Research

Our group is interested in the development of novel synthetic transformations for the construction of new molecular entities. In this process, we would like to use the commercially available and air stable reagents and if possible we recommend the use of reagents in catalytic amount (transition-metals and ligands). The transformations should be general with broad scope. We would like to demonstrate the asymmetric variant of the transformation.

Our research program is pursued in the following areas:

Transition-Metal Catalyzed Organic Transformations:

A) Activation and Functionalization of Inert C-H Bonds:

Development of new directing group for the functionalization of C(sp2)-H and C(sp3)-H bonds. In this context, we have used sulfoximine directing group for the direct functionalization of C-H bonds. Most importantly, the sulfoximine moiety can be easily cleaved from the functionalized products and reusable. Moreover, formation of sulfoxide (a sole precursor of sulfoximine) in the reaction makes sulfoximine as a transformable directing group. We also investigate to address the challenges of chemo, regio, and stereoselective C-H functionalizations.

(B) Cross-Coupling Reactions:

We plan to execute iron and cobalt catalyzed cross-couplings between the organo-metal nucleophiles and the electrophiles. We are also interested in developing new catalysts for the stereoselective cross-coupling reactions. In this context, we work for the polyfunctionalization of olefins and alkynes.

Lewis-Acid Catalyzed Organic Transformations:

Lewis-acids are known to catalyze various complicated organic transformations. We are interested developing new and useful intermolecular mode of organic reactions catalyzed by the Lewis-acids with atom efficiency. The following research plans are envisaged :

(A) Activation of alkynes
(B) In-situ carbenoid generation
(C) Nitrene insertion
Development of novel synthetic transformations of the cyclization and cycloisomerization of ynamide scaffolds under gold-catalysis is the current research interest.

High Energy Materials:

Synthesis of Nitro, Nitrogen, Fluorine-Rich Organic Molecules:
Organic compounds with nitro/nitrogen/amino/azido/oxygen/fluorine-rich groups are usually considered high energy materials.
We would like to design and develop new insensitive high energetic materials with better performance and thermal stability. We believe some of our compounds are useful as melt-cast & thermally stable explosive and propellants.