Development of new synthetic methods for N-heterocyclic compounds via gold-catalyzed alkyne functionalizations

The project aims at the development new methodology in organic synthesis. At the research group of organic Chemistry (ORGC) at VUB, an unprecedented charged organogold species has been isolated which holds potential to develop new catalytic transformation to new heterocyclic compounds. While most reported homogenous Au-catalyzed reactions release the gold catalysts during the catalytic process via reaction with present protons, it was found that this step does not occur easily with our substrates. Reactions where the catalytically formed organogold species is used as substrate in a second catalytic cycle lie within reach. This principle of dual catalysis (e.g. Au/Pd) has only been reported in very few cases and is at the forefront of current research in gold catalysis. After initial explorations, the strategies will be applied to synthesize new polyheterocyclic compounds based on a quinolizidine core skeleton.