
Inventing Reactions for
Better Synthesis
Prof. Gavin Chit Tsui’s research group in Hong Kong

Welcome!
We are a research team in the Department of Chemistry of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). Our research program focuses on homogeneous catalysis and organic synthesis. We are developing efficient, selective and practical methods for synthesizing value-added organic molecules that could find applications in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and new materials. Research themes in our group include organofluorine chemistry, transition metal-catalyzed reactions, organocatalysis, asymmetric synthesis and catalyst design.
Ph.D. positions are available, apply now!
Group News
Several new publications in Feb 2023
Collaboration with Liao’s group in Org. Lett.; collaboration with Yang’s group in Org. Lett.; collaboration with Cahard’s group on a review in J. Fluor. Chem.; congratulations to Hao and Yuwei on their new paper (Rh chemistry) in Org. Lett.
New publication in Organic Letters: Rh(I) chemistry applied to monofluoroalkenes
Rhodium(I)-Catalyzed Defluorinative Coupling of Boronic Acids with Monofluoroalkenes
New publication in Organic Chemistry Frontiers: forming three C-C bonds and introducing ten F atoms in one step!
Radical Cyclization/Bis(pentafluoroethylation) of 1,6-Dienes Using HCF2CF3-Derived CuCF2CF3
New publication in Org. Lett. with Wang’s group: Organocatalysis
Organocatalytic Three-Component Acyldifluoromethylation of Vinylarenes via N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Catalyzed Radical Relay
New publication in Org. Lett.: selective C-F bond activation without metal catalyst?
Highly Selective C-F Bond Functionalization of Tetrasubstituted gem-Difluoroalkenes and Trisubstituted Monofluoroalkenes Using Grignard Reagents