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.