Merging transition metal-catalysis and electrochemistry for late stage functionalization of biologically active molecules

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Transition-metal catalysed C-H functionalisation reactions have proven revolutionary in recent years, with thousands of publications describing myriad protocols including cross-coupling reactions, directed and non-directed regioselective C-C bond formation (achieving alkylation, alkenylation and arylation), and selective late-stage functionalisation of complex biologically active molecules. Electrochemistry has been utilised since the 1800s, but has largely been viewed by most synthetic chemists as obscure and inaccessible until only very recently. In the past 15 years, electrochemistry has enjoyed a surge of new-found interest within the synthesis community as electrochemistry equipment has become more standardised and accessible, with chemists discovering exciting novel transformations utilising electrochemical methods. Transition-metal catalysis integrated with electrochemistry has emerged as a versatile method for C-H functionalisation, and is at the forefront of research understanding, enabling previously unknown transformations while simultaneously removing the need for stoichiometric oxidants and reductants, improving the sustainability of synthetic chemistry. This thesis details work undertaken to contribute to this exciting modern field of chemistry, by developing new methods of electrochemical transition-metal catalysed C-H functionalisation for the late-stage functionalisation of biologically active molecules