New Doctor at ICIQ!

Xavier Sanz López, PhD student under the supervision of Prof. Elena Fernández and Prof. Carles Bo, has defended his PhD Thesis entitled “Theoretical and Experimental Understanding of the Pull-Push Effect of B on the Synthesis of Organo-Boranes, -Sulfides and -Selenides” (assigned to the Department of Physical and Inorganic Chemistry of the Universitat Rovira i Virgili) publicly on October 28th at the Universitat Rovira i Virgili.

The members of his evaluation committee were: Prof. Enrique Gomez Bengoa (Universidad el País Vasco), Prof. Cristina Pubill Ulldemolins (University of St. Andrews) and Prof. Jordi Carbó (Universitat Rovira i Virgili).

Dr. Sanz López with his supervisors, Prof. Carles Bo and Prof. Elena Fernández, and the evaluation committee

Abstract:

This thesis focuses on the so-called “pull-push” effect of B in B-B, B-Se and B-S containing reagents, as a powerful tool to selectively form new C-B, C-Se and C-S bonds respectively. This research has been covered by both the theoretical and experimental point of view. Thus, the thesis presents four main topics:
– The metal-free activation of a diboron reagent to selectively borylate vinyl epoxides and vinyl aziridines.
– The synthesis of b-seleno and b-sulfido carbonyl compounds in a simple way and in absence of additives.
– Theoretical approach to the metal-free synthesis of vinyl selenides and vinyl sulfides.
– The metal-free selenolysis and thiolisis of epoxides towards the preparation of b-hydroxy selenides and sulfides.