Melissa Ramirez

The goal of this research project is to develop a strategy for C–N and C–C bond formation involving boryl radical catalysis. A general reaction platform for activation of nitriles using ligated boryl radicals and subsequent amination of C(sp2) electrophiles will be established. The application of photoredox catalysis will enable regeneration of the boryl radical catalyst. A combined computational and experimental approach to the development of this dual catalytic strategy will provide fundamental insight on the reactivity of ligated boryl radical catalysts and the corresponding iminyl radical intermediates for the amination of unsaturated systems. Initial efforts will probe the feasibility of this reaction through computational assessment of the mechanism for amination involving ligated boryl radicals and experimental evaluation of computational predictions. This research will deliver an array of ligated boryl radical catalysts for activation and 1,2-difunctionalization of nitriles.