VICQUAT · Methodology for and Synthesis of Highly Congested Molecules

The development of new methodologies which allow for the direct synthesis of highly complex molecular entities bearing vicinal all carbon quaternary stereocentres remains a most important goal for modern synthetic chemists.The aim of this proposal is to develop cutting-edge methodology for congested molecule synthesis and apply it to the total synthesis of the core of a highly complex natural product.Phase 1 of the project will involve the development of three related methodologies which will allow for the efficient synthesis of a wide range of highly complex tricyclic molecules bearing multiple stereocentres including vicinal all carbon quaternary stereocentres from simple achiral starting materials.In Phase 2 of the project the developed methodologies will be used to synthesise the complex tetracyclic core of a highly complex biologically active terpenoid natural product. The tetracyclic core will be further functionalised using state-of-the-art synthetic transformations.