Transition-Metal Catalysis
We develop new catalysts to improve sustainability of the science of synthesis.
Catalysis holds a central role at SynCat Lab, where we focus on advancing catalytic methodologies. Our emphasis lies in employing meticulously assembled catalytic systems to synthesize valuable compounds, including building blocks, organic intermediates, complex molecules, natural products, and active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Although our “workhorse” is the Catellani reaction, developed in our laboratories three decades ago, our current and future research endeavors encompass a diverse range of catalytic methodologies. This includes transition metal catalysis (Pd, Rh, Ag, Cu, …) and organocatalysis.
Designing new catalysis concept
Developing new reactants for synthesis
Designing new catalysis concept
Representative publications
V. Botla, M. Fontana, A. Voronov, R. Maggi, E. Motti, G. Maestri, N. Della Ca' "Closing the Cycle as It Begins: Synthesis of ortho-Iodobiaryls via Catellani Reaction" Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2023, 62, e202218928, DOI: 10.1002/anie.202218928
A. Voronov, A. Casnati, P. P. Mazzeo, P. Pelagatti, A. Bacchi, R. Mancuso, B. Gabriele, E. Motti, G. Maestri, P. P. Fehér, A. Stirling, N. Della Ca' "Unexpected Stereoselective Access to 2-Aminooxazolines from Propargyl Ureas by Silver Salts under Mild Conditions" Adv. Synth. Catal. 2022, 365, 1, DOI: 10.1002/adsc.202200950
A. Voronov, V. Botla, L. Montanari, C. Carfagna, R. Mancuso, B. Gabriele, G. Maestri, E. Motti, N. Della Ca' "Pd-Catalysed oxidative carbonylation of α-amino amides to hydantoins under mild conditions", Chem. Commun. 2022, 58, 294, DOI: 10.1039/D1CC04154A