We have a long-standing interest in nonlinear processes in asymmetric catalysis – processes that can lead to the generation of high e.e.s from catalysts with low e.e.s. We have investigated several ligands classes and found that nonlinear effects in asymmetric catalysis are widespread, highly variable with solvent and temperature, and are difficult to model in silico.

We are developing new ways to follow asymmetric reactions in real time, so as to give quantitative data on reaction progress and effectiveness. We aim to employ this work in the discovery of catalysts for asymmetric processes. One of the key targets in the group is the synthesis of chiral, vicinal diamines. We are currently searching for catalysts for aza-Henry reactions that can generate such diamines with high enantiomeric excess.

In all these projects we are aiming to discover inexpensive, efficient routes using simple reagents. However, the central feature of a good catalyst is that it must be used with low catalyst loading. In our recent paper on this subject, loading was identified as the key determinant of asymmetric catalyst efficiency.