BIMOC · Biomimetic Organocatalysis – Development of Novel Synthetic Catalytic Methodology and Technology

Biomimetic Organocatalysis – Development of Novel Synthetic Catalytic Methodology and Technology The objective of the proposed research is the design and development of unprecedented preassembled, modular, molecular factories. Inspiration comes from nature’s non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) and polyketide synthetases (PKSs). These large multifunctional enzymes possess catalytic modules with the capacity for recognition, activation and modification required for sequential biosynthesis of complex peptides and polyketides. Using nature as a role model we intend to design and prepare such catalyst “factories” synthetically and apply them in novel cascade reaction sequences. The single catalytic modules employed will be based on organocatalytic procedures, including enamine-, iminium-, as well as hydrogen bonding activation processes, but the potential scope is limitless. Organocatalysts have so far never been applied in a combined fashion utilizing their different activation mechanisms in multiple reaction cascades. Therefore, it is our intention to firstly demonstrate that such a production line approach is feasible and that these new catalyst systems can be applied in the synthesis of valuable enantiopure, biologically active, building blocks and natural products. Additionally, the extensive possibilities to vary organocatalyst modules in sequence will lead to science mimicking nature in its diversity.