Research Overview
Catalysis Research Addressing Unmet Needs in Synthetic Chemistry and Biomedical Fields
The research in the Liu group focuses on chemical catalysis based on earth-abundant elements to unlock new reactivity and address long-standing challenges in synthetic chemistry and biomedical research. To achieve these goals, we aim to 1) understand the organometallics of elusive intermediates, 2) develop new catalytic reactions and activation modes, and 3) translate our chemistry to address unmet challenges in biomedical research.
ORGANOMETALLICS
One research area in the Liu group focuses on the design, synthesis, and investigation of catalytically-relevant high-valent metal complexes. In particular, we have been interested in putative organocopper(III) species, which have been widely proposed as key intermediates in copper-catalyzed reactions. Our group has synthesized isolable yet reactive copper(III) species and investigated their catalytically relevant reactivity, including reductive elimination, Cu(III)–C bond homolysis, and oxidative addition.
CATALYSIS
We have been applying the insights we gained from the organometallic studies to the development of new catalytic reactions. In one direction, we have pioneered new catalytic methods for installing lightly fluorinated groups, for example, CF2H groups – the only fluoroalkyl group not considered PFAS by the newest definition – into organic molecules. In addition, we have been developing new activation modes to engage traditionally challenging substrates to unlock new reactivity. Furthermore, we have been designing new chiral ligands, based on our understanding of reaction intermediates, for asymmetric catalysis.
TRANSLATIONS
We have been translating our chemistry to the field of biomedical imaging. By collaborating with experts in biomedical research, we have developed methods that allow for the rapid installation of positron-emitting isotope-containing groups into organic molecules. These methods have been applied to the synthesis of radioligands for imaging important biological targets.