A Synthesis Programme at Cambridge
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: Chemistry
Abstract
The research presented in this proposal, encompasses a broad range of challenging projects. The total syntheses will require the development of existing reactions and the invention of new processes. We will develop new synthetic methods and new tools for molecular synthesis. There is much to commend an integrated programme of science as presented in this document. The desire for more efficient syntheses stimulates the discovery of new reactivities to solve particular problems. New reactions can open up areas for total synthesis and analogue generation that were previously inaccessible. These drivers impact on the development of new methods for synthesis. The added value that arises from having a closely coupled programme containing the development of new synthetic methods, new ways of performing reactions and total synthesis is considerable. All these disciplines will drive the creative process. It is undoubtedly a grand challenge, but one we feel is worthy of investment.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Steven Ley (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Alves L
(2015)
A practical deca-gram scale ring expansion of (R)-(-)-carvone to (R)-(+)-3-methyl-6-isopropenyl-cyclohept-3-enone-1
in Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry
Battilocchio C
(2013)
A Machine-Assisted Flow Synthesis of SR48692: A Probe for the Investigation of Neurotensin Receptor-1
in Chemistry - A European Journal
Battilocchio C
(2013)
Flow Synthesis and Biological Studies of an Analgesic Adamantane Derivative That Inhibits P2X7-Evoked Glutamate Release.
in ACS medicinal chemistry letters
Battilocchio C
(2013)
Flow-Based, Cerium Oxide Enhanced, Low-Level Palladium Sonogashira and Heck Coupling Reactions by Perovskite Catalysts
in Israel Journal of Chemistry
Baumann M
(2011)
An overview of the key routes to the best selling 5-membered ring heterocyclic pharmaceuticals.
in Beilstein journal of organic chemistry
Baxendale IR
(2013)
The synthesis of neurotensin antagonist SR 48692 for prostate cancer research.
in Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry
Bourne S
(2012)
Flow Chemistry Syntheses of Styrenes, Unsymmetrical Stilbenes and Branched Aldehydes
in ChemCatChem
Browne D
(2013)
Continuous Cold without Cryogenic Consumables: Development of a Convenient Laboratory Tool for Low-Temperature Flow Processes
in Chemical Engineering & Technology
Browne D
(2011)
Piecing together the puzzle: understanding a mild, metal free reduction method for the large scale synthesis of hydrazines
in Tetrahedron
Browne DL
(2011)
A new enabling technology for convenient laboratory scale continuous flow processing at low temperatures.
in Organic letters
| Description | New methods and new tools have been developed for the synthesis of molecules of biological interest. The three major themes of this work are Natural Product Synthesis, New Synthesis Methods, and Emerging Technology and New Tools for Chemical Synthesis. Natural Product Synthesis So far the total syntheses of iso- and bongkrekic acids, chloptosin and O-methyl siphonazole have been accomplished. New Synthesis Methods New synthesis methods that have so far been invented and developed to provide improvements or strategic advantages over existing protocols in organic chemistry include the use of pyrrolidinyl-tetrazole as a versatile organocatalyst in enantioselective synthesis including nitrocyclopropanation reactions and the addition of malonates to enones, and the use of biocatalysis for 'greener' chemical processes. Emerging Technology and New Tools for Chemical Synthesis. We have had great success in developing user-friendly gas reactors for introducing a range of gases into a liquid stream. We have collaborated with instrument manufacturers to invent new in-line reaction monitoring equipment with diagnostic capabilities, and new apparatus has been devised to solve current problems in cryogenic flow chemistry. Novel monolithic constructs have been prepared and used as alternatives to solution-based reagents and substrates. |
| Exploitation Route | The scientific community has benefitted by the discovery and demonstration that biocatalysis can be used for 'greener' chemical processes thus reducing the impact on the environment and society as a whole. Our work Emerging Technology and New Tools for Chemical Synthesis has provided the community new equipment that, through our collaboration with manufacturers, can be purchased so as to enable users to be able to reproduce our work and for them to make their own discoveries. |
| Sectors | Chemicals,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| Description | Our work has benefitted local equipment manufacturers who we collaborated with us to invent new in-line reaction monitoring equipment with diagnostic capabilities, and new apparatus to solve current problems in cryogenic flow chemistry. Novel monolithic constructs have been prepared and used as alternatives to solution-based reagents and substrates. Global citizens have also benefitted due to reduced resource consumption for the preparation of molecules of biological interest. The large number of students and staff who were supported on the grant made very significant contributions to the science achieved, eg publications as well as receiving an outstanding training. The post-docs have now moved on to pursue careers in academia or industry. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2008 |
| Sector | Chemicals,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| Impact Types | Economic |
| Title | Other Research Output |
| Description | New / Enhanced Equipment / Facility |
| Type Of Technology | New/Improved Technique/Technology |
| Year Produced | 2010 |
| Impact | Development of fluorination methods using continuous-flow microreactors |
| Title | Other Research Output |
| Description | New / Improved Product / Process |
| Type Of Technology | New Material/Compound |
| Year Produced | 2010 |
| Impact | A fully automated, multistep flow synthesis of 5-amino-4-cyano-1,2,3-triazoles |
| Title | Other Research Output |
| Description | New / Improved Technique / Technology |
| Type Of Technology | New/Improved Technique/Technology |
| Year Produced | 2010 |
| Impact | Development of fluorination methods using continuous-flow microreactors |