# Catalytic C−C Activation/Functionalization of Ketones and Amides

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO · 2024 · $334,335

## Abstract

Abstract: We are engaged in the systematic efforts to exploit catalytic carbon–carbon (C−C)
bond activation for developing new, general and synthetically useful methods. Our objective, in
the proposed funding period, is to focus on C−C activation and functionalization of ketones and
amides, as they are easily accessible and widely found in feedstock chemicals. Through
harnessing the power of transition-metal catalysts, sometimes assisted by an organic activator, a
suite of new, selective, and efficient methods involving C−C activation of ketones and amides will
be developed. Specifically, we will: (i) explore new C−C activation modes that allow rapid access
to complex sp3-rich ring systems, (ii) enable a novel and broadly applicable cross-coupling
reaction via deacylation of unstrained ketones, and (iii) allow selective activation of α-C−C bonds
of unstrained amides. The research proposed is expected to offer an atom-economical approach
for preparing novel complex sp3-rich molecular scaffolds from readily available substrates, which
should help to access greater chemical space beyond the “flatland”. It is also expected to simplify
synthesis through new strategies for bond disconnections and to enable skeletal editing of
complex molecules under redox-neutral conditions, capitalizing on C−C
activation/functionalization of ketones and amides.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10891610
- **Project number:** 5R01GM109054-11
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
- **Principal Investigator:** Guangbin Dong
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $334,335
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2013-09-30 → 2027-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10891610

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10891610, Catalytic C−C Activation/Functionalization of Ketones and Amides (5R01GM109054-11). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10891610. Licensed CC0.

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