November 13, 2023

Abstract

This presentation will share several short stories on recent applications of metal-catalyzed transformations at AbbVie. We have developed novel methods for Pd, Cu, and Ni-catalyzed reactions and have used them to prepare pipeline assets. For example, the combination of Pd₂(dba)₃ and novel biaryl phosphorinane ligands have been used to prepare an intermediate for ABT-333 as well as to catalyze several highly challenging C-N cross-coupling reactions. A pyrrole ligand was discovered for Cu that catalyzes unprecedented coupling of highly sterically hindered partners. The substrate scope, kinetic and mechanistic studies will be discussed. Finally, a recent discovery of a simple and inexpensive ligand for Ni that can catalyze Suzuki coupling of Lewis basic partners will be discussed.

Bio

Shashank received his Ph.D. in Chemistry in 2006 at Yale University, working under the guidance of Prof. John Hartwig. He was a post-doctoral fellow at Harvard University in Prof. Eric Jacobsen’s lab from 2006-2008. He joined Abbott in 2008 as a process chemist and became a part of AbbVie when AbbVie was spun off from Abbott in 2013. He is currently the head of the Center of Catalysis at AbbVie. His group works on homogeneous, heterogeneous, and enzyme catalyzed reactions and high-throughput experimentation and is responsible for developing process-relevant catalytic methods to deliver APIs for various stages of clinical trials as well as commercial processes. With over 15 years of experience working in the pharmaceutical industry in various capacities (group lead, API lead, chemistry lead, and individual contributor), Shashank has developed manufacturing processes for multiple Phase 2, Phase 1, and GLP tox clinical candidates. He is a recipient of ACS Early- and Mid-Career awards for Industrial Scientists. Recently, he has received the ACS Heroes in Chemistry award for his contribution to the development and manufacturing of an HCV drug, Mavyret.