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University of Cambridge

New strategies for the synthesis and functionalization of aliphatic amines

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

The invention of catalytic processes that convert feedstock chemicals into pharmacologically-privileged amines is a landmark challenge in organic synthesis. This thesis describes the development of three novel transition-metal catalyzed processes for the synthesis of alkylamines that attempts to meet this challenge. The first Pd-catalyzed methylene β-C−H carbonylation of alkylamines to form substituted β-lactams is reported. Through the synergistic use of a Pd-catalyst and Xanpthos ligand, secondary amines underwent exclusive methylene β-C−H activation in high yields and diastereoselectivities. Subsequently, the development of a remarkably selective methylene β-C−H carbonylation of α-tertiary amines (ATAs), is detailed. This methodology enables the C−H carbonylation of methylene C−H bonds over traditionally more reactive methyl and C(sp2)−H bonds. Importantly, a range of functional groups previously incompatible with C−H technologies were tolerated in good yields. Finally, the development of a novel multicomponent synthesis of tertiary amines is described. The novel photocatalytic single-electron reduction of alkyl iminium ions furnishes -amino radicals that engage alkenes forming a new C–C bond. The reaction exhibits broad functional group tolerance and enables the synthesis of amines not readily accessible by existing methods.

Degree

thesis:*
Name dc:type.qualificationname
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Level dc:type.qualificationlevel
Doctoral
Grantor dc:publisher.institution
University of Cambridge
Year dc:date.issued
2019

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Trowbridge, Aaron Daniel
Advisor dc:contributor.advisor
  • Gaunt, Matthew J.

Subjects

dc:subject × 10

Rights

dc:rights
Language dc:language
en

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
DOI dc:identifier.doi
https://doi.org/10.17863/CAM.35257
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:www.repository.cam.ac.uk:1810/287941

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Cambridge University
Base URL
api.repository.cam.ac.uk/server/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-22
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Trowbridge, Aaron Daniel. New strategies for the synthesis and functionalization of aliphatic amines. Doctoral thesis, University of Cambridge, 2019. https://doi.org/10.17863/CAM.35257