Synthesis and Applications of Enantiomerically Pure Helicates

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This starter grant award of the Chemistry Division to Cornell University supports the research of Professor Geoffrey W. Coates. The themes of the research are synthesis and application of enantiomerically pure helicates. Work is directed to the synthesis of two classes of optically active ligands that are specifically designed to form enantiomerically pure helicates in the presence of metal ions that prefer tetrahedral coordination geometries. Investigations include the mechanism of helix wrapping and unwinding and the application of helicates as catalysts for asymetric synthesis. The project, with components of organic synthesis, inorganic stereochemistry, and catalysis, facilitates the comprehensive training of graduate students. The research leads to the synthesis of a new class of optically active compounds whose helical structures resemble those of proteins and nucleic acids. Applications provide new opportunities in the fields of enantioselective catalysis, biochemistry, and molecular topology.