The principal investigator states that he has recently developed a simple, cyclic dipeptide which effectively catalyzes the Strecker synthesis of the non-proteinogenic alpha-amino acid phenylglycine from benzaldehyde, ammonia and HCN in high yield and extraordinarily high enantiomeric excess and that this proposal details extensions to his work directed at the development of a general method for the asymmetric synthesis of alpha-amino acids and their derivatives, as well as those directed toward an increased understanding of the mechanism of catalysis and the true nature of the species responsible for catalysis. It is indicated that the specific targets detailed in this proposal are: A. Asymmetric synthesis of arylglycine derivatives of biological importance. B. Exploration of alternate methods for the hydrolysis of alpha-amino nitriles to alpha-amino acids. C. Further exploring the scope of substrates allowed. D. Development of asymmetric versions of the Ugi and Passerini reactions. E. Modified catalysts for the synthesis of aliphatic alpha-amino acids. F. Obtaining detailed structural information on the catalytic complex.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
First Independent Research Support & Transition (FIRST) Awards (R29)
Project #
5R29GM053091-03
Application #
2459654
Study Section
Medicinal Chemistry Study Section (MCHA)
Project Start
1995-08-01
Project End
2000-07-31
Budget Start
1997-08-01
Budget End
1998-07-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
1997
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Purdue University
Department
Chemistry
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
072051394
City
West Lafayette
State
IN
Country
United States
Zip Code
47907