This research program focuses on the discovery and study of new metal-catalyzed methods for the synthesis of polypeptides with unique stereochemistry and structure. By identification of active intermediates, the mechanism of ruthenium/rhodium/iridium amido-sulfonamide initiated alpha-amino acid N-carboxyanhydride polymerizations will be elucidated. The origins of the stereochemical selectivity of these polymerizations will be addressed through studies of the dynamics of and monomer and ligand influences on the stereochemistry of the chiral metal active species. These discoveries will then guide the development of new initiators that will allow complete control of polypeptide stereochemistry, including the formation of alternating D/L stereocopolymers.
With the support of the Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry Program, Professor Timothy J. Deming, of the Departments of Chemistry and Materials Science at the University of California, Santa Barbara, is studying new catalytic techniques for polypeptide synthesis, offering promise for the selective and efficient synthesis of complex polypeptides with unique molecular architectures. Polypeptides represent one of the major classes of macromolecules utilized by living organisms. These large molecules, comprised of many amino acids linked together, display a wide range of important physical and chemical properties. New approaches to the preparation of polypeptides offer promise for the efficient synthesis of molecules anticipated to display new and/or unusual properties, particularly in the development of new catalysts for selective molecular transformations.
