Asymmetric catalysts are synthetic analogues of enzymes and, like enzymes, small amounts are capable of generating large quantities of products with specific stereochemistry. Because of this, they are the most efficient way of generating enantiomerically pure materials which are required for the production of biologically active molecules. This project is directed at efficient asymmetric catalysis for the production of chiral cis-1,3-diols, 3-substituted cyclopentanones and the reduction of prochiral olefins. All of the products are useful and sometimes key starting materials for the production of biologically active materials. The project has the twofold goal of achieving high enantiomeric excesses and of understanding the mechanisms of catalysis in order to develop a rational basis for design. Ultimately, we expect that the current approaches which involve intuition and luck will be supplanted by a more rigorous scientific approach. The present proposal attempts to contribute to this long term goal.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01GM041598-05
Application #
2180931
Study Section
Metallobiochemistry Study Section (BMT)
Project Start
1989-04-01
Project End
1996-11-30
Budget Start
1993-12-01
Budget End
1994-11-30
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
1994
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Chicago
Department
Chemistry
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
225410919
City
Chicago
State
IL
Country
United States
Zip Code
60637