Enantioselective electrochemical transformations via base-metal catalysis

The purpose of the research project is to develop new enantioselective transformations through a synergistic approach of electrochemistry and first-row transition metal catalysis.

The objectives of this research relate to the development of effective and sustainable synthetic routes for the production of enantiomeric-pure compounds, such as pharmaceuticals.The project will be carried out facing challenges of progressive difficulty, starting from the application of readily available chiral catalysts in electrochemical conditions to the development of new catalytic systems for novel applications in electrochemistry.The importance of the project involves the sustainability of organic synthesis.

Electrochemistry represents one of the most straightforward methodologies of interacting with molecules (addition or removal of electrons) and offers the possibility to avoid the use of toxic and hazardous redox reagents, resulting in increased safety and atomic efficiency of chemical processes.

Asymmetric catalysis based on earth-abundant transition metals aim to replace and/or complement the use of noble-metals, which are scarce in nature and very expensive.

Overall, enantioselective electrosynthesis using first-row transition metal catalysts offers an innovative way to produce fundamental goods for our society.