Projects / Programmes
Synthesis and Transformations of Organic Compounds. New Reagents in Stereoselective and Regioselective Synthesis of Amino Acids as Intermediates in Organic Synthesis
January 1, 2015
- December 31, 2019
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.04.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Chemistry |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| B002 |
Biomedical sciences |
Biophysics |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 1.04 |
Natural Sciences |
Chemical sciences |
Key words: organic synthesis, reagens, amino acids, synthetic methods, C-H activation, transition metal catalysis, organocatalysis, functionalization, heterocyclic compounds, drugs, materials.
Researchers (19)
Organisations (1)
Abstract
Abstract of the research programme
In the proposed research programme we shall continue and extend our present studies on novel reagents and methods in organic and heterocyclic synthesis. We will be focused on development of novel reagents and synthetic methods compliant with modern paradigm and approaches of organic synthesis. Orientation towards development and employment of catalytic methods and application of the results in material science will be the major novelty and extension of the programme. Special attention will be paid to transition metal catalysis, organocatalysis, and related reactions. The primary structure of the programme comprises the following topics (Scheme 1, see attachement):
- Novel reagents in organic synthesis,
- novel synthetic methods,
- synthesis of novel functionalized organic compounds,
- application of novel reagents, methods, and compounds in catalysis, medicinal chemistry and material science.
Within this context, novel reagents will be prepared from easily available starting materials, such as amino acids, simple heterocycles, terpenes, etc. with emphasis on enaminones, heterocycles, azomethine imines, and related reagents. They shall be applied in subsequent studies on development of synthetic methods. These shall be oriented on search for selective transition metal- or organocatalyzed reactions running under mild conditions. In particular, polar additions, C-H activation, cross-coupling, cycloadditions, and cyclocondensations shall be studied. Novel reagents and methods will be employed in the synthesis of novel functionalized organic compounds for applications in catalysis, medicinal chemistry, and material science. Examples: organic ligands in catalysis, building blocks for combinatorial libraries in medicinal chemistry, fluorescent markers, etc. Polyconjugated oligomeric enaminones could be useful as organic materials. The study of specific types of functionalized compounds will comprise heterocyclic compounds, amino acid and peptide analogues, 3-pyrazolidinones, terpenes, and synthesis of enaminone-based oligomers.
Witihn this context, the following topics shall be pointed out (Scheme 1, see attachement):
- Enaminone-based vinylogous peptides and oligomers,
- application of enaminones in catalysis,
- functionalization of heterocycles by catalyzed C-C bond formation,
- asymmetric organocatalysis, and
- regio- in stereoselective cycloadditions.
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 synthetic methods including transition-metal catalysis, organocatalysis, stereoselective and asymmetric synthesis, combinatorial and diversity-oriented synthesis, C-H activation and cross-couplings. Catalysis is a 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.). Due to interdisciplinary research, the results issued from this programme will definitely influence development of other fundamental sciences, like pharmacy, molecular biology, biochemistry, medicine, material science, etc. For instance, an important group of target molecules will be heterocyclic analogues and vinylogues of peptides which are very important oligomers included in biological processes. Therefore the knowledge on peptide properties and design of analogues which mimic peptide properties, is of great importance in rational drug discovery which is a typical interdisciplinary activity. Additionally, the results obtained within individual research segments will significantly influence all the participating biologically oriented disciplines. Another example of a great influence of organic synthesis on the development of other disciplines is related to revealing practically unexplored 'chemical space'. Discovery and synthetic approach to new types of organic molecules normally dictate further studies oriented towards possible applications based on planned modifications and functionalizations of the molecule structure. The research results published in international literature and presented at scientific meetings will definitely have an impact on the development of basic and applicative research, as well as industrial investigations.
Significance for the country
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, both in industry and in 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, of course, 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. In addition, the programme group is also involved in the performance of the EN-FIST center of excellence in the frameworks of project groups RRP11 and RRP18, which in the last three years, in addition to numerous international publications, earned four patents and two patent applications. 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.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2015,
interim report,
final report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2015,
interim report,
final report
