# Methods for Selective Functionalization of (Hetero)arene Rings

> **NIH NIH R35** · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · 2022 · $375,484

## Abstract

Project Summary
 This project aims to solve numerous challenges in aryne difunctionalization en route to highly decorated
arene rings, critical components of most pharmaceuticals. Currently, methods to functionalize arenes in multiple
positions require iterative coupling reactions. Difunctionalization of arynes provides an attractive strategy to
incorporate multiple functional groups into an arene ring. Unfortunately, these reactions are plagued with
problems with accessing starting materials due to multistep syntheses, limited reaction scope, and poor site
selectivity for the two possible positions of the triple bond in an aryne.
 Our group aims to overcome all of these challenges by using transition metal catalysis to expand the
scope and utility of aryne difunctionalization. We plan to use C1 symmetric ligands in order to control
regioselectivity of the functional group addition to the aryne. Additionally, by the introduction of transition metal
catalysis with new aryne precursors that have previously never been used in catalysis, we will allow access to
aryne rings that were previously inaccessible due to ring strain. The transition metal catalyst will be able to bind
to the aryne and relieve ring strain. Finally, a wide variety of new difunctionalization reactions are proposed.
These new reactions encompass additions of F, N, and CF3 groups due to their importance in medicinal
chemistry.
 If the goals of this proposal are achieved, we anticipate that this chemistry will provide easy access to a
wide variety of highly functionalized arene rings. These will provide important building blocks and opportunities
for late stage functionalization of medically relevant molecules.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10500707
- **Project number:** 1R35GM146957-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- **Principal Investigator:** Courtney C Roberts
- **Activity code:** R35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $375,484
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-08-01 → 2027-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10500707

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10500707, Methods for Selective Functionalization of (Hetero)arene Rings (1R35GM146957-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-29 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10500707. Licensed CC0.

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