Projects / Programmes
Organic Chemistry: Synthesis, Structure, and Application
January 1, 2004
- December 31, 2008
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.04.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Chemistry |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| P390 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Organic chemistry |
green chemistry, catalysis, stereo- and regioselective synthesis, high-pressure chemistry, cycloadditions, heterocycles, amino acid derivatives, spiro compounds, boron compounds, diazenes, triazenes, electrophilic amination, antibacterials, cytostatics, molecular probes, amyloid aggregates, Alzheimer disease, Creutzfeld-Jacob disease.
Researchers (13)
Organisations (1)
Abstract
We will be developing novel multidisciplinary methods for the regio- and/or stereoselective synthesis and transformations of organic substrates. Novel biologically active compounds, containing amino acid, diazene and other fragments in the molecule are expected to be prepared. Among other, we plan the synthesis and characterization of novel molecular probes for the in vitro and in vivo assay of amyloid aggregates in the brain tissue of patients with Alzheimer or Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease. In our investigations we will use some basic methods of the research work in chemistry and develop some special techniques for the organic synthesis (high pressure transformations at up to 18 kbar, microwave assisted synthesis, the application of ionic liquids, etc.). Our goal will be to approach to the field of eco-friendly "green chemistry" (solvent-free reactions or using water as a solvent, oxidations preferably with oxygen and peroxides, catalytic reactions, etc.).
Significance for science
The finished project has contributed new knowledge in most important fields of chemistry, namely, organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry and catalysis. The new types of building blocks were prepared and novel techniques for the synthesis, including heterogeneous catalysis, were developed. On the other side, novel reactions in organic synthesis were clarified, and novel types of biologically active compounds were obtained. Additionally, novel aspects of green chemistry were developed aiming at the protection of our environment. The research work on the synthesis, characterization, and application of new molecular probes for medical research rezulted in a new tool for medical research and diagnostics, which will shed light to basic processes, leading to neurological diseases.
Significance for the country
New knowledge is very important for Slovenia in order to protect our environment and in order to help our industry to get acquainted with the progress in the basic research work and also in the development of green applications for industrial purposes. In particular, this knowledge, which is in Slovenia still at rather low or intermediate level, will be improved and brought to Slovenian companies. Namely, students that are going to participate in the research will probably find their positions in the pharmaceutical and also other companies, where such knowledge is more and more indispensable. Our broad connections with the research teams from all over the world will enable us to develop multidisciplinary knowledge and methods to educate our students and younger researchers via international grants in close contacts with the best research teams in the world. The invitations for plenary and other lectures at important international conferences, universities and institutes are very important for the promotion of Slovenian science. Similarly, we promote Slovenia with improving quality of Acta Chimica Slovenica as the best Slovenian internationally recognized journal and by the membership in the Management Committees (COST), IUPAC Committee, editorial board of journals, etc. Our research work is tightly embedded within the existing institutional and especially within national or international research and development programmes and projects. We strictly follow priorities of the Slovenian and international research by developing new materials, novel industrial procedures or their optimizations via contracts with industry and by developing new tools. An example of the latter is the continuous collaboration on the development of a new neuroimaging probe for medical research and diagnostics. The chemical syntheses and characterization are performed at the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical technology at the University of Ljubljana. Radiosynthesis, in vitro, and in vivo characterization of new probes are performed at the Department of Medical and Molecular Pharmacology at the University of California at Los Angeles. The application of the probe to other neurodegenerative diseases is investigated by colleagues from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ljubljana. Since we are a group with a broad expertise of knowledge, we are developing highly interdisciplinary methods that may find in the future broad application in our industrial companies. A part of our research programmes is tightly connected with industrial needs, for example developing industrially relevant reactions (green catalytic hydrogenation or oxidation, etc.).
Most important scientific results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
