New Catalytic Methods for the Synthesis of Complex Molecules

Project Summary The development of novel therapeutics is driven in large part by the unique chemical space that can be easily accessed by established and road-tested synthetic methods. Advancements in chemical synthesis and catalysis open fresh structural space in the search for new medicinal agents. This MIRA seeks to continue our long-term efforts to develop innovative transformations and synthetic tactics to provide biomedical researchers with new tools for rapid structure activity relationship (SAR) studies and access to novel chemical structures using organic photoredox catalysis. We anticipate these methods will help to streamline the drug development process. Four main research themes will be the focus of this grant – 1) site-selective and functional group-directed C-H functionalization; 2) New direct functional group bioisostere replacement chemistry; 3) programmable synthesis of 4) the use of photochemical-driven methods as new tactics for complex target-oriented synthesis. The rationale for this research is that novel and simple chemical reactivity will aid in the design of new pharmaceuticals. These new methods are innovative as they make use of light-driven organic catalysts that enable previously unknown chemical reactivity. This research program is significant as it will expedite the synthesis of novel complex organic fragments including known pharmacophores and bioisosteres of interest to biomedical researchers in the pharmaceutical discovery and development phase.