Professor Ai-Lan Lee

Chair in Organic Chemistry

Research summary

1. Decarboxylative Radical Reactions We develop both light-mediated as well as metal- and light-free direct decarboxylative radical reactions, such as C-H functionalisations of heterocycles, hydrodecarboxylations and Giese reactions. We have also recently developed photocatalyst-free light-mediated reactions. We are keen to compare the reactions with and without light and to develop more sustainable synthetic methodologies.

2. Gold Catalysis In the past decade, gold has emerged as a powerful catalyst for the electrophilic activation of carbon-carbon π bonds. We are interested in the development of novel gold catalysed reactions with the aim of expanding the current toolkit of synthetic techniques. Highlights from our group include developing novel gold-catalysed reactions with cyclopropenes, allenes and allylic alcohols.

3. Dual Metal- and Photoredox-Catalysis

We developed dual metal- (e.g. Au, Cu) and photoredox-catalysed methods for cross couplings through C-H activation or transmetallations.

4. Palladium Catalysis We developed various Pd(II)-catalysed conjugate addition and oxidative Heck reactions and are particularly interested in developing methodologies for challenging substrates.

Expertise: Photocatalysis, Light-mediated chemistry, Flow chemistry, Homogenous catalysis, Radical chemistry, Sustainable organic synthesis, Gold catalysis, Palladium catalysis.

Sectors: Synthesis & Manufacture, Catalysis, Healthcare, Environment & Sustainability

Ai-Lan’s research group focuses on developing new synthetic methodology for sustainable chemical synthesis, with applications in healthcare and materials. Her research group is currently focused on developing sustainable light-mediated reactions under both batch and continuous flow conditions. These include photocatalytic reactions as well as EDA-mediated photocatalyst-free reactions. She has expertise in homogenous catalysis, in particular gold- and palladium catalysis, as well as the dual use of transition metal catalysis with photocatalysis. She has worked alongside various industrial partners on collaborative studentships.

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