Ongoing Projects
01
Enantioselective Electron Transfer Reactions via Mechano-chemistry
Group Members: Xu Chaoran
Mechanochemistry has been widely applied in organic synthesis due to its ease of scale-up. Asymmetric mechanochemistry is less well studied and tolerance of different types of organic reactions is still limited. Our project aims to study SET-mediated reactions under mechanochemistry conditions and to carry out mechanistic study for a better understanding of the differences between reactions using solvents and mechanical conditions.
02
Systems Chemistry Through Compartmentalised Biomimetic Reactions
Group Members: Esther Ang, Cheong Choon Boon
The exploration of catalysts that interact via non-covalent interactions allowed us to venture into the study of networks of interacting molecules as well as complex biomimetic reactions. The strategy of compartmentalization allows multiple reactions to occur simultaneously, shedding some light into complicated reaction networks.
03
Development of a Computational Model for Phase Transfer Catalysis and SN2X Reactions
Group Members: Kee Choon Wee
The development of phase transfer catalysts have resulted in the access to a myriad of novel reactions. There are still gaps in understanding of the mechanism using phase transfer catalysis. In particular, the nature of the the interfacial layer between water and organic solvent is still unclear. The development of a computational model using Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation will allow us to "see" its mechanism of action in greater detail. We are also interested to use machine learning to model SN2 and SN2X reactions.
04
Regio and Stereoselective Functionalisation of Fatty Acids
Group Members: Eugene Kuek, Priscillia Cha
Even though alkyl C(sp3)-H functionalization has seen significant improvements in the past few years, long chain fatty acids have yet to be investigated as starting substrates for C(sp3)-H activation reactions. Our group believes functionalization of C(sp3)-H bonds at specific positions along the alkyl chain of long chain fatty acids will generate a library of novel, unique and unnatural fatty acids which are likely to have their own unique properties and bioactivities.
Study of Nanoscale Chirality Using Electro-fabrication
05
Group Members: Lay Chee Leng, Liu Zeyuan, Shen Pingchuan
This project seeks to employ state-of-the-art electro-fabrication technology for the nanoscale engineering of chiral structures to tap on the potential of chiral induced spin selectivity (CISS) to discriminate enantiomers based on electronic effects. We also seek to investigate how chiral nanostructures may be applied in asymmetric catalysis probing the question of whether structural chirality can be transferred to molecular chirality. This will shed light into the mechanism behind CISS as well as the nature of chirality in various forms namely, structural and molecular chirality.