Gold-Catalyzed Late-Stage Diversification of Prenylated Pharmaceuticals and Biomolecules with Acetylene Gas

• Applicant: Dr. Marc Paul Beller
• Subject Area: Organic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 513483617

The aim of the research project is the synthesis of 1,3-butadienes starting from highly substituted olefins and acetylene under gold(I) catalysis. The main focus will be on the stereoselectivity of this reaction, since different double bond geometries are possible in the resulting diene products. This selectivity is to be achieved by novel, sterically demanding gold(I) complexes, which should only allow the formation of a single diastereomer. By such a reaction, prenyl residues, which occur in many different natural products and pharmaceuticals, could be extended to 1,3-butadienes. This reaction could be useful for late-stage functionalization of pharmaceuticals in the search for more potent derivatives and will also be investigated.

• DFG Programme: WBP Fellowship
• International Connection: Spain
• Host: Professor Antonio M. Echavarren, Ph.D.