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Functionalisation of Propellanes and Bicycloalkanes using Multicomponent Reactions

Project description

Synthesising bicycloalkanes using multicomponent reactions

Radical ring-opening reactions of small-ring propellanes lead to the synthesis of bicycloalkanes (BCAs), which are sp3 rich cage hydrocarbons. Such molecules with rigid structures tend to display pharmacological properties that are superior to their parent structures, such as better solubility and lower metabolic susceptibility, while maintaining their 3D conformation. Despite the advantages of BCAs in medicinal chemistry, their synthesis using multicomponent reactions is still in its early stages. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the MultiProp project aims to advance the field of synthetic organic chemistry by developing novel methodologies for the application of propellanes in diverse multicomponent chemical processes, thereby streamlining access to functionalised BCAs.

Objective

"Project MultiProp aims to advance the field of synthetic organic chemistry by exploring the use of small-ring propellanes in multicomponent reactions (MCRs). Radical ring-opening reactions of these propellanes lead to bicyclo[n.1.1]alkanes (BCAs), which are sp3 rich ""cage"" hydrocarbons that are of high interest in drug design. Specific examples include bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes (BCPs), which have demonstrated to be bioisosteres of para-substituted benzene rings, alkynes, and tert-butyl groups; and bicyclo[3.1.1]heptanes (BCHeps), which have proved to be potential meta-arene analogues. Molecules incorporating these rigid scaffolds typically exhibit enhanced pharmacological properties compared to their parent structures, such as improved solubility and reduced metabolic susceptibility, while preserving their three-dimensional configuration.
Despite the utility of BCAs in medicinal chemistry, their synthesis using multi-component reactions is underdeveloped. This proposal aims to address this gap by developing novel methodologies for the application of propellanes in diverse multicomponent chemical processes, thereby streamlining access to functionalised BCAs. The project comprises three Work Packages:
WP1: Developing new multicomponent protocols for the C–H functionalisation of organic molecules using propellanes as substrates, and the C–H functionalisation of bicycloalkanes.
WP2: Applying Norrish type I and II photochemical reactions to propellanes, and related 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer / functionalisation reactions, for the synthesis of functionalised BCAs.
WP3: Developing N-heterocyclic carbene-promoted MCRs using alcohols and propellanes as substrates, where NHC-activated alcohols serve as radical precursors for the synthesis of highly substituted BCPs and BCHeps.
MultiProp thus seeks to expand the chemical space of propellane-derived molecules, opening new avenues for their applications in synthetic organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and materials science."

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01

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Coordinator

THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
Net EU contribution
€ 260 347,92
Address
WELLINGTON SQUARE UNIVERSITY OFFICES
OX1 2JD Oxford
United Kingdom
Region
South East (England) Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Oxfordshire
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost
No data