Project funded by the National Science Centre (NCN) under the “Sonatina – 6” competition
Project number: UMO-2022/44/C/ST4/00063
Project value: 911,106.00 PLN
Funding amount: 911,106.00 PLN
Project duration: 02/11/2022 – 01/11/2025
Project manager: Dr. Anuj Sharma
Nature employs perfectly defined macromolecules to accomplish various catalytic processes essential for life. Enzymes, nature’s most sustainable catalysts, control multiple biological processes and functions through their precise three-dimensional structures, which are governed by amino acid sequences and chirality.
To emulate enzyme-like properties and functions in abiotic macromolecules, it is crucial to understand the relationship between molecular sequence and structure. Therefore, the PolyCat project aims to investigate stereo-controlled, sequence-programmable macromolecules for use in the catalysis of asymmetric hydrogenation of alkenes.
Specifically, the project will explore a library of chiral monomers arranged in well-defined polymer chains functionalized with phosphine end groups. These macromolecules will serve as ligands for rhodium (Rh) catalytic complexes.
The research will focus on developing scalable and efficient synthetic routes for stereochemically controlled, sequence-defined oligourethanes with diverse structural characteristics. Experimental characterization will be carried out to determine the three-dimensional conformations of these macromolecules and to establish a clear sequence–structure relationship.
The project will also evaluate the catalytic activity and stereoselectivity of Rh–polymer complexes in alkene hydrogenation reactions, accompanied by mechanistic studies to optimize the polymer’s primary structure.
This work aims to establish an innovative strategy for developing asymmetric catalysts based on metal complexes with sequence-programmed polyurethanes. The results will provide fundamental insights at the intersection of polymer, supramolecular, and organic chemistry.
Ultimately, the project’s findings are expected to support the design of new ligands for asymmetric hydrogenation, a process widely applied in the chemical industry for producing high-value compounds used in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and fine chemical sectors.
