Methods for the Chemical Synthesis of Complex Molecules

在化学系化学合成计划的资助下，芝加哥大学的Viresh Rawal教授正在开发复杂分子的化学合成的新方法。新的合成方法和策略使得能够构建对许多科学学科的进步至关重要的化合物，包括化学生物学和材料科学。这种合成打开了获得各种化合物的途径，帮助我们了解生物过程。新的合成方法也有助于化学家以更低的成本制备大量药物。拉瓦尔实验室研究环加成反应，这是两个分子聚集在一起形成环的反应。这些都是合成复杂分子的最重要的反应家族之一。这些方法允许创造新的化合物，并为学生提供反应开发以及分子设计和合成方面的严格培训，从而为他们在学术或工业领域的职业生涯做好准备。来自芝加哥公立学校系统的本科生和高中生也通过这个奖项获得了接触科学研究的机会。他们了解了STEM领域的许多机会和职业。拉瓦尔教授正在为合成复杂分子开发新的环加成方法。他和他的学生正在为Diels-Alder(DA)反应设计新的底物，特别是偏选择性DA反应，用于构建取代环己酮，这些取代环己酮是许多复杂天然产品的关键构件。鉴于对单一对映体化合物的巨大需求，预计2018年全球销售额将超过1.3万亿美元，拉瓦尔实验室正在研究手性催化剂，以使元选择性DA反应具有对映选择性。这项工作为重要的化合物提供了方便的途径，特别是含有全碳季手性中心的化合物，这些化合物以前很难合成。为了展示新化学的独特力量，拉瓦尔实验室正在对精选的复杂天然产品进行化学合成。该研究项目还通过对研究生、本科生和高中生的教育和培训，帮助开发科技人力资源。重要的是，该项目为芝加哥大学大学生学者计划的本科生和高中生提供了从事科学研究的职业机会。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

With this award, funded by the Chemical Synthesis Program of the Chemistry Division, Professor Viresh Rawal of the University of Chicago is developing new methods for the chemical synthesis of complex molecules. New synthetic methods and strategies enable the construction of compounds that are essential for advancements in many scientific disciplines, including chemical biology and materials science. Such synthesis opens access to diverse compounds that help us understand biological processes. New synthetic methods also help chemists prepare large quantities of drugs more cheaply. The Rawal lab examines cycloaddition reactions, which are reactions wherein two molecules are brought together to form a ring. These are one of the most important families of reactions for the synthesis of intricate molecules. The methods allow for the creation of new compounds and provide students with a rigorous training in reaction development, and the design and synthesis of molecules, thereby preparing them for careers in academics or industry. Undergraduate students and high school students from the Chicago Public School system are also gaining exposure to scientific research through this award. They learn about the many opportunities and careers available to them in STEM fields.Professor Rawal is developing new cycloaddition methodologies for the synthesis of complex molecules. He and his students are designing novel substrates for the Diels-Alder (DA) reaction, particularly the meta-selective DA reaction, for the construction of substituted cyclohexanones that are key building blocks to many complex natural products. Given the tremendous need for single enantiomer compounds, with estimated global sales topping $1.3 trillion in 2018, the Rawal lab is examining chiral catalysts to render meta-selective DA reactions enantioselective. This work is providing ready access to important compounds, particularly compounds containing all-carbon quaternary chiral centers, that previously were difficult to synthesize. To demonstrate the unique power of the new chemistry, the Rawal lab is carrying out the chemical synthesis of selected, intricate natural products. This research program is also helping to develop human resources in science and technology through the education and training of graduate, undergraduate, and high school students. Importantly, this project is exposing undergraduate students and high school students in the University of Chicago Collegiate Scholars Program to career opportunities in scientific research.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.