The focus of this research is the use of catalytic enzymatic reactions with readily accessible starting materials to afford enantiopure building blocks that can be converted, by means of catalytic transition metal reactions, into complex molecules having interesting biological properties. The methodology will be used to synthesize sugar analogs, amino acids, glycoproteins and zaragozic acids. With this renewal award, the Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry Program is supporting the research of Dr. Carl R. Johnson of the Department of Chemistry at Wayne State University. Professor Johnson will focus his work on developing new applications of enzymes as catalysts in key steps of the synthesis of complex organic molecules. The project will provide training of the participants including undergraduates, graduate students and postdoctoral associates in a wide range of very contemporary procedures and methods and, in doing so, will provide highly qualified persons for economically important chemical industries, especially the pharmaceutical and agricultural chemistry industries.
