Research Overview
The Liu Lab is interested in developing sustainable methods for the synthesis of enantioenriched molecules. Our research integrates radical chemistry, redox catalysis, and chiral induction to construct complex molecular architectures with high efficiency and atom economy. Through the use of electrochemical and photochemical strategies, we aim to enable modular and selective transformations that advance asymmetric synthesis and broaden access to functional small molecules.
P-Chiral Phosphine Synthesis
Our lab develops new methods to access P-chiral phosphines and enantioenriched sulfoxides through radical cation intermediates. Using dynamic kinetic resolution and mild oxidative conditions such as electrochemistry and photochemistry, we convert racemic starting materials into high-value products with excellent atom economy. These approaches expand the toolbox for asymmetric catalysis and functional molecule design.
Se-Catalyzed Enantioselective Cyclization
We explore enantioselective cyclization strategies assisted by selenium catalysis to construct saturated heterocycles with precise stereocontrol. By leveraging selenium redox cycles and light-driven activation, our lab aims to develop modular, mild conditions for building complex ring systems. These methods open new avenues for asymmetric synthesis and scaffold diversification in small molecule design.
Electrochemical Gold Catalysis
Electrochemistry offers a sustainable platform to access Au(III) species without stoichiometric oxidants. Our lab applies this approach to develop gold-catalyzed C–C bond formations under mild conditions. We are also exploring new reaction designs to expand the synthetic scope of gold catalysis in selective and efficient molecule construction.