We
report a catalytic method to access secondary alcohols by the
coupling of aryl iodides. Either aldehydes or alcohols can be used
as reaction partners, making the transformation reductive or redox-neutral,
respectively. The reaction is mediated by a Ni catalyst and a 1,5-diaza-3,7-diphosphacyclooctane.
This P2N2 ligand, which has previously been
unrecognized in cross-coupling and related reactions, was found to
avoid deleterious aryl halide reduction pathways that dominate with
more traditional phosphines and NHCs. An interrupted carbonyl-Heck
type mechanism is proposed to be operative, with a key 1,2-insertion
step forging the new C–C bond and forming a nickel alkoxide
that may be turned over by an alcohol reductant. The same catalyst
was also found to enable synthesis of ketone products from either
aldehydes or alcohols, demonstrating control over the oxidation state
of both the starting materials and products.
DeSCIpher is one of McMaster University’s largest science competitions and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration within the undergraduate community. This editorial will explore the evolution of the competition since its inception in 2016, with a focus on the various challenges and successes encountered by the executive team.
DeSCIpher: McMaster University Life Sciences Competition (MULSC) brings together undergraduate students of various science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines to collaboratively compete in a one-day competition. An integral aspect of this competition is the Inquiry Challenge, where a pressing issue is presented to all participants. In teams of three to four individuals, participants are asked to think of creative, evidence-based, and feasible solutions to the proposed prompt. In 2021, the Inquiry Challenge centered on ‘space debris’ and its detrimental effects on Earth. Participants were asked to find in-depth peer-reviewed articles from reputable sources to determine appropriate courses of action that address its issues. An infographic and short abstract were then prepared by the participants, to showcase their findings; the latter are presented in this abstract book. The top four abstracts were chosen based on a predetermined rubric. Overall, DeSCIpher hopes to highlight its commitment to knowledge and passion for the interdisciplinary sciences through its Inquiry Challenge, and the competition as a whole. The McMaster Students Union website featuring information about DeSCIpher can be reached at https://msumcmaster.ca/initiative/descipher/.
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