We have also demonstrated the use of boron tethered radical cyclizations. During this study we also observed the first example of an intramolecular homolytic substitution reaction at boron. We are working toward the synthesis of the alkaloid martinelline using a formal hetero Diels-Alder reaction. Martinelline is the first example of a non-peptidic bradykinin C receptor antagonist, and is of interest for the treatment of a variety of inflammatory disorders. A highly convergent route to the unique pyrroloquinoline core of this alkaloid has been developed, employing a lanthanide catalyzed multi component coupling of amines, aldehydes and pyrrolines.
Isocyanates are widely used building blocks, acting as monosubstituted carbamoyl cation equivalents.
We have developed a new class of reagents, carbamoyl imidazolium salts, that act as disubstituted carbamoyl cation equivalents. These reagents are stable, crystalline compounds, and afford access to ureas, carbamates, thiocarbamates, thioureas and amides in high yield. Current work includes extending this to more diverse library syntheses, especially to peptidomimetic like structures, and the development of new multi-component coupling reactions using these salts. We are also using carbamoyl imidazolium salts as precursors for the preparation of a novel class of transition metal complexes, which can be used as catalysts for C-C bond formations. For more information about our group, please connect to our group homepage .