Chemistry Highlights
Selective C—H functionalization in complex antimalarial drug via fine-tuned P450 catalysts
The ability to construct and manipulate biologically active molecules is central to the discovery of compounds with novel or improved pharmacological properties. Methods for the selective functionalization of aliphatic carbon-hydrogen (C—H) bonds are of particularly high synthetic value, as these chemical bonds are ubiquitous in natural and synthetic bioactive molecules. Performing this transformation with high efficiency and selectivity constitutes however a formidable challenge due to the strength of C−H bonds and the presence of several C−H bonds of similar energy in organic compounds, especially in complex molecules. A research team led by Prof. Rudi Fasan has reported a novel strategy to obtain cytochrome P450-based catalysts useful for the late-stage functionalization of unactivated C—H bonds in artemisinin, a complex natural product of prominent value in the fight against malaria (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2012; 134(45): 18695–704). This impressive work was highlighted in the Chemical & Engineering News and selected for the JACS Spotlight "Enzyme Targets Hard-To-Oxidize Chemical Bonds". (more)
Events & Seminars
Recent News
May 10, 2013
Sarah Koniski and Louis Papa Awarded DAAD RISE Scholarships for research in Germany!. more...
May 8, 2013
Undergraduate Research Expo and Writing Contest Awards . more...
May 7, 2013
Chemistry Alums, Katherine Garner, Matthew DeMars, II, and Jonathan Goldberg Receive Honors!. more...
April 5, 2013
Ben Hafensteiner named Professor of the Year in the Natural Sciences. more...
April 4, 2013
Kim Manbeck awarded the Edward Peck Curtis Award for Excellence in Teaching by a Graduate Student. more...
February 14, 2013
Dan Weix Receives Sloan Research Fellowship. more...
January 11, 2013
Dan Weix Receives 2013 Thieme Chemistry Journal Award. more...
January 11, 2013
The Weix group is chosen for "Green" Award!. more...
June 6, 2013 • 4:00 PM
Designer DNA Bases as Probes for Biological Molecules and Processes
Eric Kool, George and Hilda Daubert Professor of Chemistry
Lander Auditorium, Hutchison Hall
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May 30, 2013 • 1:00 PM
Nickel-Catalyzed Electrophile Cross-coupling of Aryl Halides with Alkyl Halides
Daniel A. Everson
Hutchison Hall 473
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June 5, 2013 • 2:00 PM
Studies Toward the Synthesis of FK-506
George E. Arab
Hutchison Hall 473
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June 6, 2013 • 4:00 PM
Designer DNA Bases as Probes for Biological Molecules and Processes
Professor Eric Kool
Hutchison Hall, Lander Auditorium
more...