Synthesis of alkenes by conformationally directed transition metal-free couplings to sp2 carbon

过渡金属促进的偶联的发现使烯烃(药物、天然产物、香料和材料合成的单体的关键成分)的合成发生了革命性的变化。然而，过渡金属一般都很昂贵，而且受到供应链波动的影响，因此替代直接制取烯烃的路线是有价值的。在这个项目中，我们将探索在sp2杂化碳上使用构象定向取代作为一种替代的、实用的简单和可持续的方法来合成烯烃。我们的目标是开发避免使用卤素和过渡金属的合成方法，并利用构象受限功能(如酰胺和尿素)固有的机械不寻常的反应性。该项目的结果将对EPSRC的物理科学研究领域产生影响。

The synthesis of alkenes (key components of drugs, natural products, fragrances and monomers for materials synthesis) was revolutionised by the discovery of transition-metal promoted couplings. However, transition metals are generally expensive and suffer from supply chain volatility, so alternative direct routes to alkenes are of value. In this project we will explore the use of conformationally directed substitutions at sp2 hybridised carbons as an alternative, practically simple and sustainable approach to the synthesis of alkenes. We aim to develop synthetic methods that avoid the use of halogens and transition metals, and which exploit mechanistically unusual reactivity inherent in conformationally restricted functions such as amides and ureas. The outcome of the project will have an impact on the EPSRC research area of physical sciences.