The past few years have produced important advances in the development of green and sustainable synthetic methods that have made possible access to new chemical space and unusual systems. Endeavors to this end have produced important discoveries in the field of C-H activation/functionalization, visible-light photoredox-controlled reactions and catalysis. An alternative sustainable way to rapidly increase the molecular complexity and/or to explore unique bond formations, in a step-, pot- and atom-economical manner, could be through “strained overbred intermediate” formation (and destruction of such complexity to generate new complexity). Cyclobutane and cyclopropane derivatives owing to their inherent ring strain, are considered classical overbred intermediates. The success of this synthetic strategy requires a careful understanding of the reactivities of such intermediates as well as the correct choice and/or design of the catalyst. This research topic plans to develop novel organocatalytic synthetic methods for the assembly of biologically active molecular targets and pharmaceuticals by taking advantage of such still largely underexplored reaction concept. At the same time, this proposal seeks to capitalize upon this unique opportunities afforded by the reactivity profiles/chemical peculiarities of strained carbocyclic systems to expand the synthetic potential of the modern organocatalysis, by providing new opportunities for reaction invention and catalyst design.

The ideal candidate for this position will have a Masters degree or equivalent in chemistry with experience in the field of synthetic organic chemistry as well as in studying reaction mechanisms and structural characterization of organic molecules. The ability to work in a team as well as good communication skills is essential.

Research will be carried out within the Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche of the University of Cagliari under the supervision of prof. Angelo Frongia. His research interests focus on the synthesis and reactivity of strained carbocycles including the organocatalytic transformation of cyclobutane and cyclopropane derivatives. A strong research partnership is currently active with several foreign research institutions such as the CP3A Organic Synthesis Group of the Université Paris Saclay (Prof. D. J. Aitken) and the Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (Prof. Mauro Adamo).