Aditya Gottumukkala, PhD at the University of Groningen
working on CatchBio project:
C-H Activation in Asymmetric Addition Reactions
project leader:
Prof. Adriaan J. Minnaard
cluster: Fine Chemicals & Pharma
Short CV
- PhD at Rijksuniversteit Groningen - Research Advisor: Prof Adriaan J. Minnaard
- Masters at Université de Rennes1, France - Research Adviser: Dr Henri Doucet
- B.Sc (Chemistry) - Loyola College, Chennai, India
Transition metal catalyzed reactions are ubiquitous in modern multi-step organic synthesis. Despite the amazing success of transition metal catalyzed reactions, the Achilles’ heel of these reactions has been their requirement for prefunctionalisation of one or both the coupling partners, often as sensitive organometallic reagents. This entails the formation of a stoichiometric amount of organometallic salt as the byproduct. However, if the C-H bond, arguably the most common bond in organic chemistry, could be used as a ‘functional group’ to bring about the same transformations, it would render processes much more environmentally benign and considerably shorter. This is the underlying theme of the research project.
What is the biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge obviously is thermodynamic! Without functional groups on the molecules, the reactivity of the molecules is considerably lower, and this often means working at high temperatures. In addition, the ubiquitous nature of the C-H bond is also a problem, as it causes poor selectivity.
What is your future career ambition?
Personally, I enjoy applying known knowledge to pressing problems of the day. At the same time, a constant effort to development new fundamental understanding of reactivity of molecules is essential. Ten years from now, I would like to see myself at a research position, at the interface of industry and academia.
How do you like to spend your time when not working on your research?
Enjoy a jog in the open, when it doesn’t rain (not too often in Groningen!), take part often in the Pub-quiz on Wednesdays, occasionally play table-tennis with labmates, amateur numismatist and strongly agree that “Life without music would be a mistake”.
Am especially good at annoying labmates by playing a playlist of “Roxette” several times a day on the lab’s music system, and convinced that the Mac is the greatest invention of mankind since the wheel!