Chemistry Seminar - Synthesis and Reactivity of N-Heterocycles and Photoactive Copper(I) Complexes

Title: Synthesis and Reactivity of N-Heterocycles and Photoactive Copper(I) Complexes

Speaker: Professor Alex Bissember

Abstract: Copper(I) complexes represent the most widely used photoredox catalysts derived from earth abundant metals. State-of-the-art copper(I) photoredox catalysts feature a phenanthroline-type ligand and a wide bite-angle bidentate phosphine ligand. While these systems compare well to the prototypical photoredox catalyst [Ru(bpy)3]2+, these copper(I) complexes exhibit coordinative instability in polar solvents that can adversely affect catalyst turnover and reaction efficiency. This presentation describes our efforts to prepare and study of original classes of photoactive copper(I) complexes bearing tetradentate, phenanthroline-based supporting ligands with a view to better understanding the subtle interplay between structure and function. This presentation will also outline our progress exploring the fundamental properties and synthetic applications of various classes of N-heterocycles. This includes preliminary studies investigating the capacity of fused azonanes/azecanes to create rapid access to polycyclic alkaloid frameworks via transannular aza-Michael addition chemistry and employing TEMPO–Me as a latent electrochemically-promoted methylating agent.

Bio: Alex Bissember received his PhD in Chemistry in 2010 from ANU working with Prof Martin Banwell. He subsequently undertook postdoctoral research with Prof. Greg Fu at MIT and Caltech (2010–2013). In 2013, Alex commenced his independent career at the University of Tasmania where he is currently a Professor of Chemistry and ARC Future Fellow. His research group has broad interests in organic/inorganic chemistry, including metal-based catalysis, photochemistry, electrosynthesis, target-oriented synthesis, and natural products isolation chemistry.