Pioneering catalysis: Chemists decrypt the finest molecule differences!

Pioneering catalysis: Chemists decrypt the finest molecule differences!

Chemnitz, Deutschland - A research team of the TU Chemnitz , under the direction of Prof. Dr. Johannes Teichert and Prof. Dr. Martin Breugst has published significant results on the subject of "location -selective catalysis". This work appeared in the renowned "Journal of the American Chemical Society" on January 3., 2025. The location -selective catalysis enables very similar reactive places in molecules, which is particularly important in active ingredient research.

One of the greatest challenges in replicating location -selective reactions, such as those occurring in nature, consists in the use of human -friendly catalysts, which often have inadequate fit. This problem is alleviated by the inspiration from nature, since enzymes are able to carry out precisely location -selective reactions.

innovative catalyst development

In current research, a bifunctional catalyst was used, which consists of two reactive subunits. One subunit is responsible for the recognition of the Amid, while the other takes over the implementation of the reduction. The effectiveness of this catalyst depends heavily on the spatial proximity of the two subunits. For the first time, this catalyst can distinguish between structurally related Amiden - a significant progress, since no other catalyst is currently able to make this differentiation.

The identified "privileged Amiden" includes molecules that are preferred by the catalyst. While these are implemented quickly, the reaction of "non-privileged Amids" is either very slow or at all. Quantum mechanical calculations support the understanding of this rare location selectivity, which further underlines the research work.

applications and future prospects

The knowledge of the TU Chemnitz offers promising applications in active ingredients research and sustainable chemistry. Amide are not only important building blocks in the synthesis of medicinal products, but also in the production of materials. Future research should focus on the simplified production of complex biologically active molecules and on efficient recycling of plastics.

In addition to the TU Chemnitz, other institutions also deal with the further development of catalysis processes. For example, the Center for Bioinformatics and Biotechnology and the Technical University of Munich In the use of renewable raw materials through specific enzyme cascades. These approaches aim to produce platform and fine chemicals from sugar or other molecules from renewable raw materials.

A multi-enzyme catalysis is often used in these modern methods. This technique enables the simultaneous use of several enzymes without having to isolate the intermediate products, which makes the process more faster and more efficient. Furthermore, the optimization of the enzymes and analytical methods are being used to improve the performance and property of the catalysts.

Developments in catalysis and biocatalysis show that innovative solutions are developed for challenges in chemistry and material sciences. With the results of the current studies, research is now at an exciting point where sustainability and efficiency go hand in hand.