Projects / Programmes
Organic Chemistry: Synthesis, Structure, and Application
January 1, 2009
- December 31, 2014
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.04.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Chemistry |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| P390 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Organic chemistry |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 1.04 |
Natural Sciences |
Chemical sciences |
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 (21)
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 research carried out in the frame of this project has and will contribute new knowledge in the most important fields of chemistry, namely, organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry and catalysis (homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis; transition metal catalyzed reactions; organocatalysis; enantioselective catalysis). With this investigations extensive expertise in organic synthesis was gained; we have been developing green chemistry methods aiming at the protection of our environment (green media, microwave-assisted technique, high pressure up to 20 kbar, etc.). We found novel, potentially recyclable catalytic systems that have enabled efficient functional group transformations with high selectivity and additionally in many cases allow the reactions to be conducted in environmentally benign solvents (including water), without the need of special precautions. Novel types of building blocks have been prepared and innovative techniques for the synthesis, including enantioselective synthesis, have been developed. Additionally, novel reactions in organic synthesis have been clarified, and new types of biologically active compounds have been prepared. The data obtained, accompanied by profound knowledge on the synthesis, structure and reactivity of prepared compounds and catalysts, are of primary interest for fundamental sciences, for atmospheric and environmental chemistry as well as for biology and medicine. Furthermore, the work on the synthesis, characterization, and application of new molecular probes for medical research has led to new tools for medical research and diagnostics and explained basic processes leading to neurological diseases.
Significance for the country
Developing new knowledge (novel methods, catalysts, intermediates, and novel useful compounds) is extremely 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 an intermediate level, has been improved and brought to Slovenian companies. Namely, students that participated in the research have found and probably will 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 developing multidisciplinary knowledge and methods to educate our students and younger researchers via international grants in close contacts with the best research teams around 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 by memberships in the Management Committees and working groups within COST programmes, bilateral and other programmes, by attracting foreign researchers and Ph. D. students, by memberships in editorial boards 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 and tools or their optimizations via contracts with industry. 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 catalysis, etc.) and products (for example rosuvastatin that was developed in cooperation with Lek/Sandoz or potential FabF and FabH inhibitors as well as other internationally patented products (see 14.1, 14.2 and 14.4) including developing new neuroimaging probes for medical research and diagnostics as was developed in cooperation with the Department of Medical and Molecular Pharmacology at the UCLA, U.S.A. and by our colleagues from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ljubljana). Being a part of a teaching institution, our expertise will enable us to educate students in mastering standard and specialized operations to be applied in an academic setting and also in situations they face in an industrial environment.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
