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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/I00548X/1
Title: Changing the nature of chemical synthesis through metal catalyzed C-H bond functionalization
Principal Investigator: Gaunt, Professor M
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Chemistry
Organisation: University of Cambridge
Scheme: Leadership Fellowships
Starts: 01 October 2010 Ends: 31 March 2016 Value (£): 2,016,328
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Biological & Medicinal Chem. Catalysis & Applied Catalysis
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Panel DatePanel NameOutcome
02 Jun 2010 EPSRC Fellowships 2010 Interview Panel D Announced
Summary on Grant Application Form
Despite the changing face of science, the importance of synthesis - the ability to make molecules - has not diminished. To solve the increasingly complex synthetic problems posed by Nature, medicine and materials, we must question the dogma that defines what we know about making organic molecules. This proposal seeks to address the 'synthesis grand challenge' to develop a new blueprint for chemical synthesis that will revolutionize the way that molecules are made in response to societies needs. In contrast to conventional synthesis, that often requires numerous chemical operations to link two molecules together, we will activate traditionally inert, but ubiquitous, carbon-hydrogen (C-H) chemical bonds with metal catalysts and transform them directly into a useful chemical architecture thereby streamlining the synthesis of natural products, medicines and materials. This will impact broadly in academia, industry and across modern society, providing (a) better ways of making molecules, (b) cheaper medicines through accelerated drug discovery, (c) advances in materials and chemical biology through chemical modification of polymers and proteins, (d) potential advances in energy related research through understanding the mechanism of hydrocarbon oxidation, and (e) an enhanced chemistry knowledge base.
Key Findings
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Summary
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Organisation Website: http://www.cam.ac.uk