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School of Physical and Chemical Sciences
  1. School of Physical and Chemical Sciences
  2. Chemistry
  3. PhD/Research
  4. PhD Projects
  5. Exploiting Arynes for the Development of New Synthetic Organic Chemistry

Exploiting Arynes for the Development of New Synthetic Organic Chemistry

Research Group: Chemistry
Number of Students: 1
Length of Study in Years: 4 years
Full-time Project: yes

Funding

  • Funding is provided via the China Scholarship Council.  

    • Available to Chinese applicants only.
    • Applicant required to start in September 2026.
    • The studentship arrangement will cover overseas tuition fees for the duration of the studentship.

Project Description

The Jones research group (http://joneschemistry.wordpress.com) has extensive experience of exploiting arynes for the development of new synthetic organic chemistry methodologies. Arynes are highly versatile reactive intermediates that rapidly generate valuable benzenoid and heterocyclic frameworks commonly found in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and organic materials. Despite significant advances in aryne precursor technology, several challenges remain. These include multi-step syntheses, generation of stoichiometric waste and incompatibility of activators with sensitive functional groups. In this PhD project we propose to develop a photocatalytic method for aryne generation. This will offer a more sustainable alternative to current precursors that utilises light as a clean energy source and operates under mild reaction conditions. We propose to exploit cheap and readily available aromatic starting materials that do not require pre-functionalisation. Proof of concept studies will be conducted using known aryne reactions, with application to the development of new aryne reactivity motifs later in the project.

Application Method:

To apply for this studentship and for entry on to the Chemistry programme (Full Time) please follow the instructions detailed on the following webpage:

https://www.qmul.ac.uk/spcs/phdresearch/application-process/#apply

Deadline for Application - 28th of January 2026

Requirements

 

  • The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good Honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) and MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent).
  • You will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in all other categories.  This is required at application stage.

 

SPCS Academics: Dr Chris Jones

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