Projects / Programmes
Advanced organic synthesis and catalysis
January 1, 2020
- December 31, 2027
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.04.04 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Chemistry |
Organic chemistry |
| 1.05.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Biochemistry and molecular biology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| P390 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Organic chemistry |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 1.04 |
Natural Sciences |
Chemical sciences |
| 1.06 |
Natural Sciences |
Biological sciences |
Synthesis, catalysis, C–H activation, transition metals, organocatalysis, enantioselectivity, photoredox catalysis, reactions mechanisms, “green” chemistry, bioorganic chemisty, enzyme inhibition, molecular probes, proteases, fluorescent labellig, polyenaminones, materials.
Data for the last 5 years (citations for the last 10 years) on
April 25, 2024;
A3 for period
2018-2022
| Database |
Linked records |
Citations |
Pure citations |
Average pure citations |
| WoS |
682 |
12,378 |
7,760 |
11.38 |
| Scopus |
626 |
12,516 |
8,440 |
13.48 |
Researchers (16)
Organisations (1)
Abstract
Current results are solid platform, which enables evolutionary continuation with an updated and optimized research programme. In the present period 2015–2019, the research on new reagents and synthetic methods in organic and heterocyclic chemistry has been focused on catalysis, bioorganic, and in part on chemistry of materials. In 2020–2025 we will continue the studies on the catalyzed C–C bond formation and the development of new (organo)catalysts aiming at application in sustainable synthetic chemistry (e.g. Org. Lett. 2019, 20, 5268). We will intensify the research of mechanisms of catalytic reactions, because understanding reaction mechanism is essential for the design and development of new catalysts. Mechanistic studies on metal-catalyzed C–H activation (ChemCatChem 2017, 9, 1; 2018, 10, 3824; Eur. J. Org. Chem. 2019, 432) and [3+2] cycloaddition reactions (J. Org. Chem. 2016, 81, 5988; 2016, 81, 8920) will be continued to obtain a detailed insight into the reaction mechanisms. The study on new camphor-based organocatalyst (Adv. Synth. Catal. 2016, 358, 3786; 2017, 359, 2288) will be extended by preparation of novel analogues and a systematic structure-activity and mechanistic study on the performance/mechanism of novel organocatalysts. An important step forward is inclusion of photocatalysis, which will round off our studies on catalysis part of the research programme. We also plan to study the use of modified catalysts in flow reaction systems. Intensification of research in the bioorganic chemistry field is also important. We will continue with the successful studies on the synthesis of biologically active compounds (molecular probes), such as cathepsin inhibitors (Bioorg. Chem. 2019, 84, 226) and inhibitors of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase of Plasmodium falciparum, a parasite, which causes malaria (Bioorg. Chem., submitted) in cooperation with prof. dr. Marko Novinec (Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, UL) including testing of compounds for the inhibition of other related enzymes. We will continue very successful collaboration with prof. dr. Stanislav Gobec (Faculty of Pharmacy, UL), where we have recently discovered a new group of tryptophan-based selective low-nanomolar inhibitors of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) as promising unique lead compounds for symptomatic therapy of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (Chem. Commun. 2019, 55, 3765). In the field of fluorescence labeling (Dyes and Pigments 2017, 141, 38; 2018, 155, 59; J. Org. Chem. 2016, 81, 5988) we will focus on development of fluorescent probes for ligation to macromolecules using ‘click’ reactions, such as [3+2] cycloadditions and 1,4-additions. Due to promising results, the recently initiated study on the synthesis and applications of polyenaminones (Eur. Polymer J. 2018, 108, 603) as novel degradable and recyclable materials will also be continued.
Significance for science
The research work performed within the scope of the programme will fundamentally contribute to the development of organic chemistry and organic synthesis, heterocyclic chemistry, combinatorial chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and material science. Regarding the topics of the planned investigations, a significant progress in development of organic chemistry and chemistry in general will be made, especially in the field of modern sustainable synthetic methods including transition-metal catalysis, organocatalysis, photocatalysis, stereoselective and asymmetric synthesis, combinatorial and diversity-oriented synthesis, C–H activation and cross-coupling reactions. Catalysis is a flourishing core area of contemporary science, therefore our investigations, mostly oriented towards the development of synthetic methods using transition metals and organocatalytic methods, will importantly affect development of science in general, and with catalysis associated sciences (chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, material science, environment science, etc.). Significant influence of the research programme on development of science and profession is connected with development of “green” catalytic methods, which will make their contribution towards sustainable development of chemical industry based on sustainable raw materials and methods. Due to interdisciplinary research, the results issued from this programme will definitely influence development of other fundamental sciences, like pharmacy, molecular biology, biochemistry, medicine, materials science, etc. Additionally, the results obtained within individual research segments will significantly influence all the participating biology-related disciplines. The research results will be published in international literature and presented at scientific meetings. Therefore, they will definitely have an impact on the development of basic and applicative research, as well as industrial investigations. Consequently, this will impact and help facilitating the inevitable change of modern consumer society into a post-modern sustainable society.
Significance for the country
The influence of the results of the research programme enables sustainable functioning and development of society (industry, state administration, public sector, etc.) in connection with chemistry-oriented fields. The importance of the research programme will primarily reflect in the field of human resources, considering the fact that, within the program's framework, the chemistry students will conclude their studies. With their further employment in industry, research institutions, and state administration, they will actively contribute to socio-economic and cultural development of Slovenia. Another significant aspect of the importance of the research programme is related to the collaboration of the entire programme group, as well as its individual researchers with the chemical and pharmaceutical industries in Slovenia and across Europe. This above-average involvement in co-operation with the economy is based on programme group competences and clearly demonstrates the relevance of the programme. The results of the collaboration with the chemical and pharmaceutical industries in Slovenia and Europe reflect in the high economic performance of the participating companies, which indicates and validates the outstanding importance of our research programme for Slovenia's and Europe’s socio-economic development. Our collaboration with the chemical and pharmaceutical industry also means taking part in producing novel technology solutions and innovations. In a long term, our programme also takes part in creation of new products of pharmaceutical and chemical industry. The up-till-now policy of keeping the balance and synergy between the basic and applied aspects of research will be kept and, if needed, expanded in the future, because in addition to the above-mentioned contribution to Slovenia's socio-economic and cultural development, it significantly contributes to better understanding of general and specific issues of industrial development, while at the same time enables significant improvements in research laboratory equipment of the parent institution. In addition, the publications of research results in international scientific publications, as well as presentations of the research results at the international and national scientific conferences in the form of invited lectures, oral, and poster presentations will significantly contribute to international promotion of Slovenian science and thereby of Slovenia in general. The research programme is carried out at UL FCCT and is therefore also tightly connected with a study process. Therefore, the programme represent a vital part of Slovenian educational system. In this context, we provide the basis for chemistry-related human resource infrastructure in Slovenia. Upon finishing their studies, our bachelors, masters, and doctors are employed mostly in industry and, in significant part also in state administration, government services, research institutes, health care system, and so on. Therefore, the research programme is involved in providing chemistry-related human resources for Slovenian society in general. Of course, some of our graduates also find job outside Slovenia, mostly within EU. One can therefore conclude, that the research programme will contribute to international division of labour and human resources development, as well. The influence of this basic research programme on economic development will also be through development of “green” catalytic methods, which will make their contribution towards sustainable development of chemical industry based on sustainable raw materials and methods. Consequently, the results of the research programme will impact and help facilitating the inevitable change of modern consumer society into a post-modern sustainable society.
