Metal-free catalysis to make and break C-F bonds

Fluorine-containing molecules are essential in a wide range of applications, including in many pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. This collaborative project will develop novel metal-free catalysis for the preparation of functional fluorinated molecules. Perfluoroarenes/heteroarenes will be upcycled and the fluoride liberated by this process will be recycled through tandem C-F bond formation reactions. 

The project will build on recent work in our groups to develop novel, non-metal catalysts, for the sustainable manipulation of fluorine atoms. We will take perfluoroarenes/heteroarenes as starting materials, which are readily available, but in the current push to eliminate perfluorinated molecules will benefit from partial defluorination. These will be upcycled to more valuable building blocks by C-F bond functionalisation, developing catalysis based on simple phosphines reported by Slattery and Lynam.1 

C-F activation liberates an equivalent of fluoride and this will be captured and utilised in tandem, enantioselective C-F bond formation processes. This will make use of recent advances by Gouverneur, using chiral ureas as hydrogen bonding phase-transfer catalysts.2 The project will involve synthesis, catalyst development and mechanistic studies and will leverage the complementary expertise in York and Oxford to provide broad training. 

Links: https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.3c10614 and https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aar7941 

Supervisory Team: 

John Slattery (York) john.slattery@york.ac.uk , Jason Lynam (York), Véronique Gouverneur (Oxford) 

Key publications: 

1 S. Bonfante, C. Lorber, J. M. Lynam, A. Simonneau and J. M. Slattery, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2024, 146, 3, 2005–2014. 

2 G. Pupo, F. Ibba, D. M. H. Ascough, A. C. Vicini, P. Ricci, K. E. Christensen, L. Pfeifer, J. R. Morphy, J. M. Brown, R. S. Paton and V. Gouverneur, Science, 2018, 360, 638–642; G. Pupo, A. C. Vicini, D. M. H. Ascough, F. Ibba, K. E. Christensen, A. L. Thompson, J. M. Brown, R. S. Paton, V. Gouverneur, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2019, 141, 7, 2878–2883. 

 Further information:

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Chemical Synthesis for a Healthy Planet (CSHP CDT) is a new EPSRC-funded centre focused on training the next generation of synthetic chemists, developing a sustainable, innovative chemistry culture that equips students to address major emerging and future global challenges in Human Health, Energy & Materials, and Food Security. 

We offer a fully-funded four year PhD programme, delivered jointly by the Universities of Oxford and York, comprised of taught courses and a substantive research project. Student cohorts will work together in a 4-month training period at both Oxford and York, before embarking on their main PhD projects. These substantive projects will be industry co-supervised, and based at either the Department of Chemistry in Oxford, or the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence at York and the associated Department of Chemistry. 

This PhD project will primarily be based at the University of York. 

The first application deadline is 15th November 2024. We will continue to receive applications following this deadline, however some of the projects may be filled following the assessment of the first round of applications. We therefore encourage you to submit your application early to ensure that your first-choice project is available. A full list of CSHP CDT projects on offer for 2025 entry can be found here. 

All project partners recognise the importance of equal participation, progression and success for all. We strive to provide a working, learning, social and living environment that will enable all our staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish and to excel – a place where we can ALL be ourselves. 

The Department of Chemistry in York holds an Athena SWAN Gold Award, and is committed to supporting equality and diversity for all staff and students. The Department strives to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel. In particular, we recognise the importance of the equal participation of women at all levels in a subject that has traditionally been male-dominated. We also particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented in science. 

Eligibility Criteria:

You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum UK 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project (usually chemistry or chemical engineering, but please get in touch if you think your qualification may be relevant). Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements. 

Check the entry requirements for your country and the English language requirements.

How to apply:   

Submit an online PhD in Chemistry application.

You will then need to provide the following information: 

• 1000-word personal statement, focusing on your interest and experience in your proposed field of research
• Clearly state your 1-2-3 choice of substantive research projects chosen from our list in the section of the form entitled Research Proposals. Please clarify in your personal statement your preferred project.
• A CV (Curriculum vitae)
• Transcripts detailing your university-level qualifications and marks to date
• Two Academic/Professional References: you will be required to submit contact details for 2 referees

 The start date of the PhD will be 15 September 2025.

For more details on the application and selection processes, and for answers to general questions (i.e. funding eligibility, project allocation, etc.) please visit our FAQs section. 

Contact Details:

John Slattery (john.slattery@york.ac.uk) 

General enquiries: chemgrad@york.ac.uk or cshp-cdt@chem.ox.ac.uk