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。开发这种反应的范例是Meerwein-Pondorf-Veerly氢化物转移反应，其中丙酮氰丙烷代替仲醇组分。该反应的氰基变体的进一步发展将导致氰基的细化。这样，一个不对称的Strecker过程是可能的。其他可能的靶标包括分子的复杂多元醇片段，如抗原性药物胰抑素。为该反应开发有效的催化剂是一个必然的目标，并将通过组合筛选方法和开发配体库来追求。纳尔逊教授的教育活动的目标是在化学学生群体中培养科学教师。学生将设计和实施课程计划和实验练习，以提供一种机制，使科学专业的学生在探索科学教育的职业生涯中产生或保持兴趣。有了这个职业奖，合成有机项目支持匹兹堡大学斯科特·g·纳尔逊博士的教学和研究。Nelson教授将利用相对安全的丙酮氰丙烷形式的氰基进行各种金属催化反应，从而产生氨基酸类似物等有用物质。更复杂的靶点也在被瞄准，比如抗癌化合物胰抑素。尼尔森教授的教育目标集中在激励理科专业的本科生选择理科教师的职业。具体来说，纳尔逊博士将给这些学生参与设计新的实验室实验的机会。这是作为传统的本科生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.