Development of Asymmetric Cyano Group - Transfer Reactions

纳尔逊教授的研究探索催化，不对称氰基转移反应。 正在开发的范例是Meerwein-Pondorf-Veerly氢化物转移反应，其中丙酮氰醇代替仲醇组分。 该反应的氰基变体的进一步发展将由氰基的加工产生。 以这种方式，不对称Strecker过程是可能的。 其他可能的靶点包括诸如抗癌剂pancristatin的分子的复杂多元醇片段。 开发用于该反应的有效催化剂是必然的目标，并且将使用组合筛选方法和配体库的开发来追求。 纳尔逊教授的教育活动的目标是在化学学生群体中的科学教师的发展。 学生将设计和实施课程计划和实验室练习，为科学专业学生创造或保持对探索科学教育事业的兴趣提供一种机制。匹兹堡大学的纳尔逊。 纳尔逊教授将利用相对安全的丙酮氰醇形式的氰基进行各种金属催化反应，这些反应将产生氨基酸类似物等有用的物质。 更复杂的靶点也被瞄准，如抗癌化合物pancristatin。 纳尔逊教授的教育目标集中在鼓励本科理科专业的学生选择科学教师的职业。 具体来说，纳尔逊博士将让这些学生有机会参与新的实验室实验的设计。 这是为了作为传统的本科实验室研究机会的教学选择。

Professor Nelson's research explores catalytic, asymmetric cyano group transfer reactions. The paradigm within which this is being developed is that of the Meerwein-Pondorf-Veerly hydride transfer reaction, where acetone cyanohydrin serves in place of the secondary alcohol component. Further development of the cyano variant of this reaction will result from elaboration of the cyano group. In this way, an asymmetric Strecker process is possible. Other possible targets include complex polyol fragments of such molecules as the antioncogenic agent pancristatin. Development of effective catalysts for the reaction is a corollary goal, and will be pursued using combinatory screening methods and the development of a ligand library. Professor Nelson's educational activities are targeted at the development of science instructors among the chemistry student cohort. Students will design and implement lesson plans and laboratory exercises, to provide a mechanism for creating or perpetuating an interest among science majors in exploring a career in science education.With this CAREER award, the Synthetic Organic Program supports the teaching and research of Dr. Scott G. Nelson of the University of Pittsburgh. Professor Nelson will employ the cyano group in its relatively safe acetone cyanohydrin form to carry out a variety of metal-catalyzed reactions that will result in such useful substances as amino acid analogues. More complex targets are also being targeted, such as the anticancer compound pancristatin. Professor Nelson's educational goals center on inspiring undergraduate science majors to opt for careers as science teachers. Specifically, Dr. Nelson will give these students the opportunity to be involved in the design of new laboratory experiments. This is intended as a teaching alternative for the traditional undergraduate laboratory research opportunity.