Enantioselective Alkene Hydrofunctionalisation

Molecules that contain a double bond between two carbon atoms are known as alkenes. These compounds are important to many biological functions, such as eyesight, as well as to human endeavours, such as the production of plastics. In fact, alkenes are such useful molecules that the 1979 Nobel prize in Chemistry was awarded to Georg Wittig for developing a method to make alkenes, as well as Herbert C. Brown, for work related to forming new products from alkene starting materials. This project aims to develop a new method for the synthesis of many different molecules from simple alkene starting materials. This method would allow chemists to add one hydrogen atom and another atom of their choice (e.g. nitrogen) simultaneously across a carboncarbon double bond, doing so with greater control than is currently possible. The realisation of this project will greatly simplify the way chemists synthesise the many molecules that make a positive mark on society.