# Forging Molecular Complexity via N-O Bond Cleavage: Synthesis of Structurally Diverse Nitrogen Heterocycles

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · William Marsh Rice University (TX) · $400,000

## Abstract

With the support of the Chemical Synthesis Program in the Division of Chemistry, Professor László Kürti of Rice University is studying the development of reactions to build nitrogen-containing molecules—compounds commonly found in medicines, crop-protection agents, and functional materials. These new synthetic strategies break weak N-O bonds to drive the formation of stronger bonds, use readily available building blocks and avoid reliance on expensive precious metal catalysts or harmful reagents. In addition, Professor Kürti leads a long-standing K–12 outreach program called “Fun with Chemistry,” which reaches over 8,000 students annually in the Houston area. The program promotes STEM education through live demonstrations and hands-on activities.

This project focuses on reagent-controlled strategies to construct diverse N-heterocycles by harnessing the cleavage of weak N–O bonds to drive C–C and C–N bond formation. Key approaches include the development of [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangements of N-alkenyl and N-aryl O-vinylhydroxylamines and O-dihalocyclopropyl hydroxylamines to access fully substituted pyrroles, indoles, and halogenated indolines. Additionally, new intermolecular and intramolecular amination reactions using amphoteric O-sulfonyl hydroxylamines are being explored for their ability to engage both electrophilic and nucleophilic partners. These activities are expanding the toolkit of operationally simple, catalyst-free reactions and providing broadly useful metho

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2453521
- **Awardee organization:** William Marsh Rice University (TX)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** K51LECU1G8N3
- **PI:** Laszlo Kurti
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** Advanced Manufacturing
- **Estimated total:** $400,000
- **Funds obligated:** $400,000
- **Transaction type:** Continuing Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2453521

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2453521, Forging Molecular Complexity via N-O Bond Cleavage: Synthesis of Structurally Diverse Nitrogen Heterocycles. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2453521. Licensed CC0.

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