Loughborough University

Development of novel bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes (BCP) bioisosteres from bench stable [1.1.1]propellane precursors

Loughborough UniversityLoughborough, United Kingdom

Course overview

Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes (BCPs) are an exciting class of strained, sp3 rich carbon. While their initial use was in the materials sector, recent impact has been in medicinal chemistry, drug development and the agrochemical sector. Their appeal is due to a unique 3-D structure, a direct consequence of its high sp3 carbon content, and has led to its use as a bioisosteres for the tert-butyl group, internal alkynes and significantly, mono- and disubstituted arenes.

Their synthesis is accomplished using hetero- or homolytic cleavage and relies on the inherent strain in the central carbon-carbon bond of [1.1.1]propellane. However, the practical isolation and storage of [1.1.1]propellane is very problematic; it is isolated as a solution in ethereal solvents, it must be cryogenically stored, and should be used before its rapid degradation. In this project we will pioneer a stable crystalline alternatives of [1.1.1]propellane (J.

Org. Chem. 2025, 90, 7712).

Functionalization will be explored using several nucleophiles, providing orthogonal 1,3-disubstituted[1.1.1]bicyclopentane (BCP) precursors amenable to subsequent cross-coupling reactions (e.g., transition metal and photoredox mediated). This methodology will provide a superior synthetic approach to 1,3-disubstituted BCPs, with far less waste, as well as delivering stable crystalline BCP precursors. This project will significantly increase the synthetic scope of BCPs compared to current strategies, as well as providing an excellent training platform to the prospective PhD candidate in our new state-of-the-art laboratories here at Loughborough.

94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021

Key highlights

  • Develops bench-stable crystalline alternatives to [1.1.1]propellane
  • Explores nucleophile functionalisation to make orthogonal 1,3-disubstituted BCP precursors
  • Uses transition metal and photoredox mediated cross-coupling reactions
  • Targets lower-waste synthesis of BCP bioisosteres for drug discovery
  • Training based in new state-of-the-art laboratories
  • Research applications span medicinal chemistry, drug development and agrochemicals

Entry requirements

  • Degree: 2:1 — or above

Scholarships

  • Alumni Bursary

    10% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

    Up to 10% of fees

  • Alumni Discount

    UK students: £1,500 tuition fee discount for one academic year. International students: £3,000 tuition fee discount for one academic year.

  • Care Leaver's Scholarship

  • Excellence Scholarships

    UK students: £3,000 off tuition fees; International students: £6,000 off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

  • International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary

    Our International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary offers a £12,000 tuition fee discount (set against the tuition fees of your chosen postgraduate taught programme ONLY).

    Up to £12,000

  • London 10th Anniversary Award

    £5,000 off tuition fees.

    Up to £5,000

  • Loughborough Business School Scholarship

    £1,500 (UK students) and £3,000 (international students) off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

  • MBA Progress with Purpose Scholarship

    50% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

    Up to 50% of fees

  • Qatari Ghanim Al-Muftah Excellence Scholarship

Careers this course leads to

  • Medicinal chemist
  • Synthetic organic chemist
  • Process development chemist
  • Agrochemical research scientist
  • Postdoctoral research associate

Cost of study

UK/Home: £5,238 | International: £29,500

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Loughborough University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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