Application of novel organic reactions for the preparation of new heteroaromatic scaffolds

Abstract

Nitrogen-containing heterocycles can be found in several bioactive small molecules, and it is well established that heterocyclic structures are very prominent scaffolds for drug-discovery research. Additionally, the availability of organic reactions for different functionalizations is the key factor that may be a limiting factor for the development of new drugs. It is widely accepted that investments in basic chemistry research for the development of new synthetic methodologies to prepare and functionalize heterocyclic compounds is crucial for the continuing development of new therapeutic agents. This project is a joint effort of Flemish and Brazilian researchers at USP and KULeuven, who have an ongoing, fruitful collaboration. In this project, the researchers aim to strengthen this partnership by developing innovative and efficient synthetic methods for the preparation and functionalization of nitrogen-containing heterocycles. In recent years the research group in USP has been investing in the development of new heterocyclcic scaffolds including pyrido-pyridazone, pyrrolo-pyrazinone, pyrimidino-imidazone and pyrazino-pyrimidinone. The research group at KULeuven, on the other hand, had published groundbreaking research on the chemistry of pyrroles and triazoles. By combining these expertise, new heterocyclic scaffolds will be prepared and new ways to functionalize heterocyclic compounds will be developed. A set of 10 heterocyclic scaffolds will be explored in this research project. These ten scaffolds should be synthesized collaboratively by the research teams in Brazil and in Belgium. Their syntheses will include the application of know reactions, developed by both groups, and also unpublished synthetic routes. Functionalized derivatives will be prepared from the application of recently-developed organic reactions. With this project, we expect to expand the understanding on the basic chemistry of these heterocyclic systems and, at the same time, develop new methodologies in the field of organic synthesis useful for medicinal chemistry applications. (AU)