1,3,2-diazaphospholene-catalysed reduction of unsaturated bonds

• Main Author: Chong, Che Chang
• Other Authors: Rei Kinjo
• Format: Theses and Dissertations
• Language: English
• Published: 2016
• Subjects: DRNTU::Science::Chemistry::Physical chemistry::Catalysis; DRNTU::Science::Chemistry::Organic chemistry::Heterocyclic compounds; DRNTU::Science::Chemistry::Inorganic chemistry
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/68900
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The development of main group catalysts has been gaining increasing attention in recent years. Several of these catalysts are shown to be efficient in various organic reactions and thus, provide a potential replacement for toxic, expensive transition metal catalysts. Nonetheless, high catalytic loading and catalyst decomposition are often the cause of concern for main group catalysts. Hence, exploring new reactivity and understanding its mechanism in these systems are of utmost importance to increase catalytic efficiency. This thesis mainly focuses on the novel usage of 1,3,2-diazaphospholene as an efficient catalyst in various reduction reactions including transfer hydrogenation of azo compounds (N=N), hydroboration of carbonyl compounds (C=O) as well as N-formylation of amines using CO2. More importantly, the mechanisms of these reactions were investigated using experimental and DFT studies. Understanding these catalytic systems plays a crucial role in the development of a more robust and effective catalyst in the near future.