Discovering the incredible capabilities of human liver enzymes, Scripps Research chemists have introduced a groundbreaking set of copper-catalyzed organic synthesis reactions. These innovative reactions are designed for the construction and modification of pharmaceuticals and various other molecules, with immense potential for revolutionizing drug discovery and optimization processes in the field of chemistry.
According to study senior author Jin-Quan Yu, Ph.D., the new two-mode approach holds significant promise for enhancing late-stage modifications and diversifications of natural products and drug molecules. Dr. Yu, the Frank and Bertha Hupp Professor of Chemistry and Bristol Myers Squibb Endowed Chair at Scripps Research, envisions widespread adoption of these cutting-edge reactions in the pharmaceutical industry and beyond.
Leading the study were postdoctoral research associate Dr. Shupeng Zhou and doctoral student Dr. Annabel Zhang, both integral members of the Yu lab during the research phase.
The primary objective of the study was to develop an improved method for carbon-hydrogen (CH) activation, a crucial process in drug synthesis. Specifically, the Yu lab aimed to streamline CH activations that involve replacing hydrogen atoms with oxygen atoms—a fundamental transformation in the construction and modification of biologically active molecules. While this transformation is common, existing laboratory methods for achieving it have been lacking in simplicity, directness, and versatility.
2024-04-20 11:00:02
Post from phys.org