M2 internship : Asymmetric catalysis via pnictogen bonding

L’objectif scientifique du laboratoire CARMEN (ex- COBRA-LCMT) est de développer des méthodes innovantes en synthèse organique, chimie analytique et modélisation moléculaire et de les appliquer à différents sous-domaines de la discipline (chimie bioorganique, chimie pharmaceutique, chimie éco-responsable, chimie des matériaux).

Context: Non-covalent interactions play a central role in modern supramolecular chemistry, catalysis, and materials design. Among them, sigma-hole (σ-hole) interactions, dispensed by a so-called σ-hole donor, have rapidly gained prominence as powerful interactions enabling molecular recognition and asymmetric catalysis.[1] More precisely, a σ-hole can be depicted as an electron-poor area located on the σ* (LUMO) of a heteroatom. The depth of the latter, and ultimately the global strength of the interaction, being proportional to the polarizability of the σ-hole donor and to the electro-attractivity of the rest of the molecule.[2] This taken into account, chalcogen- and pnictogen- bonding catalysis still remains a real challenge and is of a strong interest since specific features provided by σ-hole donors enable different and complementary advantages in catalysis. Therefore, as our group has recently illustrated, heavy metalloid such as antimony and its unique properties make it a very good candidate for establishing this “unconventional” supramolecular interactions.

Only candidates currently enrolled in a Master 2 of chemistry or in final year of engineering school are eligible. Skills and interests in organic chemistry, homogenous catalysis, and organometallic chemistry are demanded. Competences in chemical characterization (XRD, NMR, FT-IR, MS) would be highly valued. Dynamism, rigour and good communicating skills in English or French are required.