Selective photooxygenations and oxidative C−H-functionalizations of indole alkaloids and polycyclic terpenes through quinone photoorganocatalysis

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Malte Brasholz
• Subject Area: Organic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation
• Term: from 2014 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 266793065

The objective of this project is the application of catalytic photooxidations and photooxygenations to new selective transformations of tetrahydrocarbazoles, tetrahydro-β-carbolines, monoterpene indole alkaloids as well as betulin, a renewable chemical from the bark of the birch tree. Seminal previous investigations in the area of organic photocatalysis with quinones enable the guided selection and optimization of suitable catalysts and co-catalysts, to identify reaction conditions which are adjusted to the respective substrate classes investigated. The combination of photooxygenation reactions in conventional experimental setups with continuous flow reactors, which allow an efficient mass transfer between liquid and gas phase, enables accelerated and reproducible reaction optimization and the realization of high synthetic yields.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants