# Innovative Tools for Chemical Synthesis: Cyclase-Inspired Catalysis, Shuttle Catalysis, and Tandem Catalysis

> **NIH NIH R35** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE · 2021 · $535,247

## Abstract

This research program focuses on addressing gaps in chemical structure and reactivity through the power
of catalysis. Inspired by metalloenzymes, my laboratory designs, studies, and invents innovative tools for
chemical synthesis that overcome the need for chiral auxiliaries and stoichiometric activating agents. The
cross-coupling methods proposed feature the use of common functional groups (e.g., aldehydes, amines,
alkynes, and alkenes) and generate new carbon-carbon and carbon-nitrogen bond with excellent atom
economy. A wide range of chiral motifs can be accessed by this approach and the insights gained will
ultimately enhance our ability to control chemical reactivity and build chemical structures. In turn, this
knowledge greatly augments our ability to discover new medicines for treating human diseases, as well as
prepare these medicines on large scale. The program features many new directions supported by
compelling preliminary data including cyclase-inspired catalysis, shuttle catalysis, and tandem catalysis.
Besides the practical value, this program will provide fundamental insights into the use of various catalysts,
including rhodium, ruthenium, cobalt, and nickel, for the activation and functionalization of carbon-hydrogen
bonds—a long standing challenge in modern organic chemistry.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10140376
- **Project number:** 5R35GM127071-04
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE
- **Principal Investigator:** Vy M Dong
- **Activity code:** R35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $535,247
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-05-01 → 2023-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10140376

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10140376, Innovative Tools for Chemical Synthesis: Cyclase-Inspired Catalysis, Shuttle Catalysis, and Tandem Catalysis (5R35GM127071-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10140376. Licensed CC0.

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