# Novel Radical Reactions for C-C Bond Formation

> **NIH NIH R01** · EMORY UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $302,179

## Abstract

Abstract.
The construction of valuable complex molecules from readily available chemical precursors is a central goal in
synthesis. Bioactive small molecules (including pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals) are especially valuable
because they influence human health and global food production. Our overall research goal is to develop new
patterns in chemical reactivity that can be utilized in the solution of many diverse and impactful problems.
Our lab has developed a family of radical anion-based processes that selectively activate heteroaromatic
substrates for selective coupling with a range of different olefin types. Here we seek to extend this mechanistic
strategy to the construction of many different valuable compound classes. In Aim 1, we propose a new
strategy for the preparation of valuable fluorinated compounds through the cleavage of very strong C–F bonds
(in aryl trifluoromethyl groups). We present a number of different ways that activation of these substrates by
radical-anion formation could be utilized in bond-forming processes. Aim 2 seeks to utilize aryl and heteroaryl
radical anions in the formation of privileged pharmacophores. In Aim 3, we describe a novel strategy for the
synthesis of unnatural peptides.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10130554
- **Project number:** 5R01GM129495-04
- **Recipient organization:** EMORY UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Simon B. Blakey
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $302,179
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-07-10 → 2023-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10130554

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10130554, Novel Radical Reactions for C-C Bond Formation (5R01GM129495-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10130554. Licensed CC0.

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