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

> **NIH NIH R35** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE · 2021 · $70,537

## Abstract

Project Summary (from the original MIRA award GM127071)
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:** 10388773
- **Project number:** 3R35GM127071-04S2
- **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:** $70,537
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2018-05-01 → 2023-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10388773

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10388773, Innovative Tools for Chemical Synthesis: Cyclase-Inspired Catalysis, Shuttle Catalysis, and Tandem Catalysis (3R35GM127071-04S2). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10388773. Licensed CC0.

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