Boron-Containing Carboxylic Acids and Cyclized Lactone Salts via Copper-Catalyzed Alkene Difunctionalization
Novel synthetic methodology using copper catalysis to produce boron-containing carboxylic acids and cyclized lactone salts from simple alkenes and carbon dioxide. These new chemical scaffolds serve as versatile building blocks for pharmaceutical, agricultural, and fine chemical synthesis.
Overview
This research introduces a copper-catalyzed method for producing boron-containing carboxylic acids and cyclized lactone salts through 1,2-difunctionalization of simple alkenes with carbon dioxide. The resulting compounds represent a new class of chemical scaffolds with potential applications as building blocks in medicinal chemistry, agricultural chemistry, and broader synthetic chemistry workflows. By leveraging carbon dioxide as a C1 feedstock, the approach also offers a more sustainable pathway to functionalized carboxylic acid derivatives compared to traditional petrochemical routes.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Copper-catalyzed 1,2-difunctionalization of readily available alkenes
- Incorporation of carbon dioxide as a renewable C1 carbon source
- Generation of novel boron-containing carboxylic acid scaffolds
- Production of cyclized lactone salts as additional product classes
- Applicable as synthetic building blocks for pharmaceutical and agricultural chemistry
Technology readiness level
The research is at an early discovery stage, with the catalytic methodology and resulting compound classes established in a research laboratory setting. Further validation work is needed to demonstrate scalability, substrate scope breadth, and performance in downstream synthetic applications before commercial deployment can be pursued.
About West Virginia University
West Virginia University is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university headquartered in Morgantown and serving the state through academics, research, and outreach. For industry, a statewide Extension network provides on‑the‑ground access to communities, facilities, and field sites, while an integrated academic medical center and health system enable clinical research and translational partnerships. The university connects corporate R&D with talent through co‑op and internship pipelines and applied engagements. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, DOE, and USDA. WVU’s Office of Innovation and Commercialization manages IP, licensing, and startup pathways to provide a clear entry point for collaboration.
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