Description of the thesis topic

This thesis focuses on the development of new synthetic methods with the aim of creating molecular complexity and diversity from raw materials such as alcohols, alkenes or alkynes. In recent years, our team has been striving to push back the boundaries of cationic chemistry, using the combination of a Lewis or Brønsted acid and hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) as solvent. HFIP has enabled the development of numerous reactions in organic chemistry thanks to its ability to stabilize carbocations, to be an excellent hydrogen bond donor, but also to its low nucleophilic power and redox stability. The candidate (H/F) will develop new transformations using a sustainable chemistry approach.

Work Context

This subject is aimed at a graduate of a Master 2 in chemistry (specializing in molecular chemistry) and/or a chemical engineering degree (H/F). The candidate (H/F) should be motivated by organic synthesis methodology and homogeneous catalysis, and be able to use the associated analytical techniques (NMR, GC-MS, HPLC, etc.).

The candidate (M/F) will join the Supramolecular Catalysis team (SupraCat, piancatalysis.com) of the Laboratory for Molecular Innovation and Applications (LIMA - UMR CNRS 7042, lima.unistra.fr) in Strasbourg, working under the supervision of Dr. David LEBOEUF. The candidate (M/F) will carry out his/her PhD within the ED222 of the University of Strasbourg.

The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.

Constraints and risks

As the subject is essentially based on classical organic chemistry and catalysis on small quantities, all conditions are required to ensure that there is no risk. The only constraint is that isolated work is forbidden.