CAS: Copper Catalyzed sp3 C-H Functionalization

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $570,000 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

With the support of the Chemical Catalysis Program of the Division of Chemistry, Professor Timothy H. Warren of the Department of Chemistry at Michigan State University is studying how to add function to molecules through normally unreactive carbon-hydrogen (C–H) bonds using copper-based catalysts. This research aims to create more efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective ways to build important chemical structures, such as those found in medicines and materials. By developing new methods to modify the most abundant types of carbon-hydrogen bonds in organic molecules, this project will help scientists streamline the synthesis of complex molecules and explore new chemical space. The broader impacts of the work include hands-on training for high school students, undergraduates, and graduate students enhanced through collaborations with industrial and academic partners. Outreach activities that include science festivals and mentorship programs will help inspire the next generation of scientists. This project will establish new catalytic protocols to transform strong, unreactive sp3 carbon-hydrogen bonds in molecules and materials to carbon-nitrogen, carbon-oxygen, carbon-sulfur, and carbon-carbon bonds. These C–H functionalization methods provide access to areas of chemical space that are difficult to reach using traditional synthetic approaches. Copper catalyzed radical relay approaches will enable new synthetic methods for C-H arylation, alkylation, and vinyl

Key facts

NSF award ID
2452839
Awardee
Michigan State University (MI)
SAM.gov UEI
R28EKN92ZTZ9
PI
Timothy H Warren
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
CAS-Critical Aspects of Sustainability
Estimated total
$570,000
Funds obligated
$570,000
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
09/01/2025 → 05/31/2026