Xavier Companyó

Xavier Companyó is an Associate Professor in Organic Chemistry at the University of Barcelona's Faculty of Chemistry, where he leads the Sustainable Organic Synthesis Group (SOSyn). His research focuses on developing more efficient, selective, and environmentally friendly chemical processes through the synergistic combination of organocatalysis, photocatalysis, and electrocatalysis.

Educational Background:

• PhD in Organic Chemistry (2014), University of Barcelona, "Excellent Cum Laude"
• Master in Advanced Chemistry: Organic Chemistry (2009), University of Barcelona
• Master in Experimental Organic Chemistry (2008), University of Barcelona
• BSc in Chemistry (2007), University of Barcelona

Companyó's research centers on sustainable asymmetric catalysis with a knowledge-driven approach that maximizes quantitative mechanistic understanding while minimizing empirical optimization. His group develops new catalytic systems by strategically combining organocatalysis, photocatalysis, and electrocatalysis to address global sustainability challenges in chemical synthesis. Their work has significant implications for green chemistry and pharmaceutical applications, with emphasis on stereoselective transformations and C-C bond formation.

His recent publications show a strong focus on defluorinative chemistry, asymmetric allylic substitutions, and the development of novel photocatalytic systems. The work demonstrates increasing sophistication in combining multiple catalytic approaches (organo-photocatalysis, electro-organocatalysis) to achieve challenging transformations with high stereoselectivity. A notable trend is the emphasis on mechanistic understanding to guide catalyst design rather than relying on extensive screening.

Scientific Recognition:

• Outstanding Doctorate Award 2013/2014 of the University of Barcelona
• ChemSci Pick of the Week and HOT article designation (2023)
• Best Poster Communication prize at Perspective in Synthetic Methodology Symposium (2023)
• I3 Habilitation (I3/2021/0139) from Spanish Research Agency

Professor Companyó actively mentors graduate and undergraduate students, with several current PhD candidates and Master's students in his group. His research is supported by multiple grants including the ASYHAT project (PID2023-149005NB-I00), INDUCTION grant (CNS2022-135457), and AMPERE project (PID2020-116859GA-I00), demonstrating sustained funding for his innovative research program.

The Sustainable Organic Synthesis Group (SOSyn) operates within the Section of Organic Chemistry at the University of Barcelona and has been recognized as a Consolidated Research Group (SGR 00268) by AGAUR, Generalitat de Catalunya. The group maintains active collaborations with institutions across Europe and has established scientific-transfer projects with industry partners like HDOS Innova SL.