The Rational Design of New Organic Molecules and Synthetic Methods

Objective

i) Apply quantitative molecular modelling to the design of new and selective reagents for useful synthetic transformations, particularly enantio and diastereo-selective carbon-carbon bond formation.
(ii) Develop new approaches to the computational modelling of organic reactions, which have greater accuracy and range of applications relative to existing methods. The ultimate goal in this field is the development of quantitative models for reactions involving all synthetically important elements in the first row of the Periodic Table.
(iii) Design and synthesize new and useful organic reagents and molecules, valuable to the chemical industry and in the development of new pharmaceuticals and materials.
(iv) Transfer expertise and knowledge within the network in the general areas of stereoselective organic synthesis and molecular modelling. Strengthen the scientific relationships between the participants.
(v) Train young scientists within the European Community, particularly at the postdoctoral level, in contemporary organic synthesis and molecular modelling.
Quantitative molecular modelling has been applied to the design of new and selective reagents for useful synthetic transformations, particularly enantioselective and diastereoselective carbon carbon bond formation. New approaches to the computational modelling of organic reactions have been developed, which have greater accuracy and range of applications relative to existing methods. Computer assisted design of new chiral boron enolates has been undertaken. A molecular mechanics model of the transition state for the addition of allyl and crotyl boronates to aldehydes has been developed. New enantioselective boron enolates bearing menthone derived chiral ligands have been developed. New stereoselective ketone boron enolates derived from lactate esters have been developed. Enantioselective catalysts for reactions of nitroalkanes have been designed. Synthetic catalysts for amide hydrolysis have been designed. New molecules with interesting conformational properties have been designed. Stereoselective nucleophilic epoxidations of electron poor alkenes have been developed. Approaches to the total synthesis of immunosuppressant Discodermolide, Macrolactin-A and the antitumour compound Taxol have been made.

Fields of science

• natural sciences › chemical sciences › organic chemistry › aldehydes
• natural sciences › chemical sciences › organic chemistry › organic reactions
• natural sciences › chemical sciences › organic chemistry › ketones
• natural sciences › chemical sciences › catalysis
• natural sciences › chemical sciences › inorganic chemistry › metalloids

Programme(s)

• FP3-HCM - Specific research and technological development programme (EEC) in the field of human capital and mobility, 1990-1994

Topic(s)

Data not available

Call for proposal

Data not available

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

THE UNIVERSITY OF MILANO

Address

Via Venezian 21
20133 Milano
Italy

Participants (7)

Fundación Bosch i Gimpera de la Universidad de Barcelona

Spain

Address

21,balmes
08007 Barcelona

GENT UNIVERSITY

Belgium

Address

Krijgslaan 281 S4
9000 Gent

Philipps-Universität Marburg

Germany

Address

Hans Meerwein Straße
35043 Marburg

THE PROVOST, FELLOWS AND SCHOLARS OF THE COLLEGE OF THE HOLY AND UNDIVIDED TRINITY OF QUEEN ELIZABETH NEAR DUBLIN HEREINAFTER TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN

Ireland

Address

Belfield
4 Dublin

UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

United Kingdom

Address

Kensington Terrace 6 Bedson Building
NE1 7RU Newcastle Upon Tyne

University of Cambridge

United Kingdom

Address

Lensfield Road
CB2 1EW Cambridge

Université de Paris XI (Université Paris-Sud)

France

Address

5 Rue Jean Baptiste Clément
92296 Châtenay-malabry