Bond-forming processes that allow the controlled union of two or more molecular fragments with the simultaneous introduction of new stereochemical elements are especially powerful in the context of complex molecule synthesis. At the level of strategy, application of such transforms during synthetic planning allows for a rapid clearance of complexity and paves the way for the development of a maximally convergent synthesis. Within this context, my research group has been actively investigating a number of carbon–carbon bond forming reactions that have the capacity to convert simple starting materials into complex carbocyclic frameworks. In this lecture I will provide several case-studies from my laboratories that highlight the interplay between method development and target-directed synthesis.
Regan Thomson (Northwestern University)