Rearrangement reactions are an effective way to synthesize small organic molecules
with high atom economy. However, performing such reactions in an enantioselective
manner is a challenging task and usually requires careful optimization of reaction
conditions. During the abroad phase of this project, we plan to use chiral, bifunctional
iminophosphoranes to control configuration of reaction products of these
rearrangements. This approach will allow for the synthesis of important chiral target
structures, such as alcohols, thiols, amines and epoxides. Those molecules are not
only important in more complex syntheses but also key building blocks in the
pharmaceutical sector. Moreover, during the return phase of this project, we plan to
develop novel superbasic catalysts which do not only have a basic site but also a
chalcogen bond donor. Such catalysts have not been known up to date and can
potentially broaden the application areas of superbases in stereoselective synthesis.