Computational Screening of Molecular Templates in Pd-catalyzed C-H Olefination reactions Controled by Noncovalent Interactions.

• Grant number: 24/19255-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Ataualpa Albert Carmo Braga
• Grantee: Diego Caxambu de Araujo
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

C-H functionalization reactions in aromatic compounds have already established themselves as one of the main strategies in organic chemistry, enabling the synthesis of a variety of compounds. Despite the growing number of studies in the field, controlling selectivity in this type of reaction remains the main challenge to be overcome. In the class of arenes, the greatest difficulty lies in achieving functionalization in a meta- or para-selective manner, which has led the scientific community to develop different strategies to achieve this goal, including the use of molecular templates containing directing groups, covalently bound or through non-covalent interactions (NCIs) with the substrate. However, despite the advantages of the strategy using NCIs compared to the first approach, such as greater atomic economy and reduced waste generation, this methodology is still underexplored. In this context, this project aims to develop computational templates capable of directing, through NCIs, selectivity at the meta or para positions in C-H olefination reactions on different substrates. For this, using different computational methodologies, a screening of different molecular templates, directing groups, substrates, and NCI possibilities will be conducted. We believe that our work can be of fundamental importance in the growth of this developing strategy and may guide experimental groups in developing templates that increase selectivity in C-H olefination reactions or even for use with substrates that have not yet been explored.