Heterocycle Functionalization

Nitrogen-containing heterocycles, such as pyridines and diazines, are some of the most widespread components of pharmaceutical compounds as well as being present in agrochemicals, materials and ligands for metal complexes. We are developing a strategy to functionalize these heterocycles by converting them into phosphonium salts that serve a coupling handles for subsequent C–C, C–O, C–N and C–Hal bond-forming reactions. This chemistry can also be applied for late-stage functionalization where pharmaceutical compounds can be rapidly converted into more potent and selective analogues. Their relative ease in purification and the use of inexpensive materials make phosphonium salts an increasingly attractive class of molecules in synthesis.