Synthesis of Fluorinated Heterocycles

Compounds based on pyridones, cinnolines, or quinoxalines will be synthesised using nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) of fluoroarenes to allow rapid construction of small molecules of interest as drug candidates for antibiotics, anti-cancer agents, or treatments against Neglected Tropical Diseases. The SNAr reaction represents a versatile method to prepare compounds suitable for biological screening in only two or three steps. The presence of fluorine in the compounds can improve their drug properties and also allows further derivatisation to modify the structures in response to screening results. New compounds will be analysed by ¹H, ¹³C, and ¹⁹F NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and X-ray diffraction to confirm structural identity and purity. The project will provide thorough training in synthetic, mechanistic, and medicinal chemistry, and contribute new methods for drug development. 94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021

The standard University IELTS English language requirement is 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each individual element (reading, writing, listening and speaking).

International students: £29,500

UK students: £5,238

UK/Home: £5,238

International: £29,500

October 2026, February 2027

31 December 2026

• Loughborough, United Kingdom