Synthesis and Applications of Enantiomerically Pure Helicates

康奈尔大学化学系的启动基金资助了Geoffrey W. Coates教授的研究。研究的主题是对映体纯螺旋的合成和应用。工作的方向是两类光学活性配体的合成，这两类配体是专门设计的，在倾向于四面体配位几何的金属离子存在下形成对映体纯螺旋。研究包括螺旋缠绕和解绕的机理以及螺旋作为不对称合成催化剂的应用。该项目具有有机合成、无机立体化学、催化等组成部分，有利于研究生的综合培养。这项研究导致了一类新的光学活性化合物的合成，其螺旋结构类似于蛋白质和核酸。应用在对映选择性催化、生物化学和分子拓扑学等领域提供了新的机会。

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.