Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

The preparation of functionalized molecules is a central theme in organic chemistry and it is at the core of the related applied sciences such as medicine and biotechnology. A large number of biologically active organic molecules, including several medicinal agents on the market, can exist in two distinct structural forms which are non-superimposable mirror images. These are known as enantiomers. Interestingly, only one of the two possible enantiomers has the desired biological activity whereas the other is either inactive or toxic. Consequently, chemical methods for the preparation of single enantiomers are of great practical significance. The central theme of this proposal is the development of such preparative methods, and these are broadly described as methods for 'asymmetric synthesis' of organic compounds. One of the important methods of making organic molecules involves the joining of small, readily available building blocks by making new connections (bonds) between carbon atoms in these building blocks. The proposed investigations will examine new methods for making carbon-carbon bonds in such a way that one enantiomer is formed preferentially. In addition, many biologically active molecules are decorated with groups containing oxygen and nitrogen atoms. These groups are often crucial for bioactivity and they must be oriented in a specific direction in three dimensional space. Hence, we will also investigate methods for making carbon-oxygen and carbon-nitrogen bonds with the goal of making products that are single enantiomers. Sustainability and minimum environmental impact are important considerations when developing new technology, especially in the chemical sciences. In keeping with these objectives, we will investigate new catalytic methods for our bond forming reactions. The new methods will potentially require only small amounts of key reagents that are necessary for facilitating the reaction and will also use non-toxic solvents. Hence the new procedures will be environmentally friendly and more economical as compared to current practices. The new methods are anticipated to have applications in the preparation of medicinal compounds for the treatment of disease, and in the development of sensors with applications in the health sciences. The knowledge gained from the proposed investigations will be essential for the sustained development of the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, for innovative research and for the development of new technologies that contribute to our national competitiveness and productivity.