Research Profile

Synthetic and Bioorganic Chemistry

The research area of Synthetic and Bioorganic Chemistry group focuses on domino (or tandem) processes. A powerful strategy involves the use of multicomponent reactions (MCRs), which combine at least three different simple reagents in a well-defined manner to form a single product. Smart design of our synthetic strategies based on the concepts of Diversity Oriented Synthesis (DOS) and Biology Oriented Synthesis (BIOS) take advantage of the potential of MCRs allowing molecular complexity and diversity to be created by facile formation of several covalent bonds in one-pot transformations. At the same time our reactions proceed with high atom economy and low E factors thus minimizing the number of functional group manipulations towards a given complex molecular target and avoiding the use of protective groups.
The research programmes of SBC can be summarized as follows:

• - Design, develop, and explore novel MCRs for atom- and step efficient syntheses.
• - Asymmetric methodology for stereoselective MCRs employing transition metal-, organo- and biocatalysis.
• - DOS- and BIOS-based design of small molecular probes for applications in chemical biology, medicinal chemistry, catalysis and materials research.

Detailed information can be found in the department's latest progress report.