Catalytic batch and flow systems combined with chiroptical investigation: a useful platform enabling production of single enantiomers.
The project targets the design and realization of improved catalytic batch and flow systems for enantioselective synthesis, together with chiroptical investigation of single enantiomers for absolute configuration assignments. These two aspects combine in a useful platform enabling production and characterization of single enantiomers using greener procedures aiming at process intensification (immobilized organocatalysts, flow mode reactions) and straightforward combinations of experimental and computational techniques (ECD, VCD, ORD). The project toolbox includes: mesoporous silica, monolithic polymers with dual micro- and meso-porosity, all with tunable surface chemistry and amenable for chemical functionalization. Chiral organonocatalysts based on chinconan alkaloids and acidic co-catalysts will be exploited as privileged structures for the preparation of porous catalytic systems to be used in either batch or flow mode processes. Innovative mechanistic investigations will rely on electrospray ionization mass spectrometry ESI-MS , a now well established tool for screening the reactivity of catalysts, monitoring organic and organometallic reactions by detection of reactants, intermediates and products and eventually elucidation of reaction mechanisms .Experimental data (reaction yields, enantiomeric excess, absolute configuration, intermediates observed by ESI-MS) will be rationalized and used to generate improved and refined systems.