Photocatalysis as Powerful Tool For Polyene Cyclizations in Supramolecular Cages

Biosynthetic polyene cycllization, where complex structures are obtained, represents an impressive example of Nature's a chemist. Organic chemists are trying to emulate the Nature to develop synthetic methodologies base on these cascades.

It has been demonstrated that Photoinduced Electron Transfer (PET) can achieve this polyene cyclizations under milder conditions, as plants do during photosynthesis.

In this context, fluorinated alcohols are very special solvents in organic chemistry due to their particular chemical and physical properties (e. g. strong H-bonding donor ability, low nucleophylicity).

The combination of fluorinated alcohols with PET processes make this strategy unique for develop new biomimetic polyzene cyclization.

To achieve PhotoCage 4 main research objectives should be implemented: (a) Design of the supramolecular cage photocatalyst and study of the interaction between them; (b) Application of the designed supramolecular cage - photocatalyst to polyene cyclizations; (c) Study of the reaction mechanims; (d) Impementation and development of an asymmetric version.

The proposal also offers me a unique opportunity to develop transferable skills thanks to the courses proposed by Saarland University and Professor T. Gulder wich will be a valuable asset for continuing my academic career.