# Developing Selective P-catalysts for Dehydrative Transformations

> **NIH NIH F32** · MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · 2024 · $74,284

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
 This proposal will elucidate the various steric and electronic parameters of a P-catalyst necessary for
enantioinduction in tandem amidation/amide functionalizations through deoxygenative P(III)/P(V) catalysis; an
important transformation for the synthesis of biologically active compounds. This proposal will first examine P-
catalyzed enantioselective amidations, followed by P-catalyzed enantioretentive amide functionalizations.
Finally, these catalysts will be combined for a one-pot synthesis of enantioenriched secondary nitriles from
racemic carboxylic acids, a moiety important to the pharmaceutical community.
 Overall, during this fellowship period I seek to gain expertise in inorganic main-group chemistry, including
computational analyses and modern inorganic synthetic techniques. Such skills will complement my existing
skillset, creating a strong foundation in catalyst design for my future career goals.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10827018
- **Project number:** 1F32GM153091-01
- **Recipient organization:** MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
- **Principal Investigator:** Siraj Zaki Ali
- **Activity code:** F32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $74,284
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-02-01 → 2026-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10827018

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10827018, Developing Selective P-catalysts for Dehydrative Transformations (1F32GM153091-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10827018. Licensed CC0.

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