Virtual Lecture: Discovery, Development and Application of Synthetic Methods for Pharmaceutical Research

Lecture held on: October 27, 2022

Presenter

Prof. Jonathan A. Ellman – Department of Chemistry and Pharmacology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA

Over the years Prof. Jonathan A. Ellman’s lab has focused on the development of synthetic methods for the efficient preparation of drug relevant structures. His lab is also open to the serendipitous discovery of new reactivity, and for this reason, research projects and programs have often veered into new directions. Whether or not a project deviates from its original goal, readily available starting materials and high functional group compatibility are underlying priorities. Our mechanistic studies on newly discovered transformations have not only enhanced our understanding but have enabled expanded substrate scope and new research directions. Collaborations with biomedical and pharmaceutical researchers have guided us in the development of synthetic methods and technologies appropriate to the more efficient discovery of ligands to biomolecular targets. In this presentation, Prof. Jonathan A. Ellman provided examples of both the targeted and serendipitous discovery and development of new synthetic methods with an emphasis placed on those having potential utility in drug discovery research. These included emerging programs on new types of C-H functionalization, photoredox-catalyzed epimerization, and asymmetric catalysis for the convergent and stereoselective synthesis of drug relevant pharmacophores incorporating nitrogen.