Abstract

Catalysis and Continuous Flow Strategies in Macrocyclization

Shawn Collins, Professor, Université de Montréal

Macrocyclization is a challenging synthetic process whose slow rate of ring closure results in low yields, the need for high catalyst loadings, and often high dilution conditions to combat competing oligomerization. The use of a phase separation strategy allows for macrocyclizations to be conducted at high concentrations. Through judicious choice of the reactions conditions and flow chemistry techniques, macrocyclizations involving oxidative Glaser-Hay couplings or Cu-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloadditions (“Click Reactions”) could be performed using low catalyst loadings and with short reaction times.