Elucidation of the Cation−π Interaction in Small-Molecule Asymmetric Catalysis
Contributors: Jacobsen, Eric N.; Balskus, Emily P.; Ritter, Tobias
Published: 2013
Language: eng
Description: The cation–π interaction has been long-established to play an important role in molecular recognition, supramolecular chemistry, and molecular biology. In contrast, its potential application in small-molecule catalysis, especially as a selectivity-determining factor in asymmetric synthesis has been overlooked until very recently. This dissertation begins with an extensive literature review on the state-of-the-art research on the application of cation–π interactions in non-enzymatic catalysis of organic and organometallic transformations. The research in this field has been largely inspired and guided by the related biosynthetic systems incorporating the same type of interactions.</p>
Notes: Keywords: anion binding, asymmetric catalysis, cation-pi interaction, episulfonium ion, polycyclization, thiourea.

Thesis Ph.D. Harvard University 2013