Research

Chemical Sciences

Title :

A visible light-based photocatalytic approach for the Synthesis of β-lactam scaffolds

Area of research :

Chemical Sciences

Focus area :

Photocatalysis and Organic Synthesis

Principal Investigator :

Dr. Vijay Kumar Das, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Timeline Start Year :

2023

Timeline End Year :

2026

Contact info :

Details

Executive Summary :

The current research proposal originates from the growing interest in developing sustainable and efficient methodologies for the synthesis of β-lactam compounds. β-lactams are important structural motifs found in numerous bioactive molecules and pharmaceuticals, making their synthesis a topic of significant scientific and practical importance.The first β-lactam compound was preparedsynthetically by Hermann Staudinger in 1907. The proposal is motivated by the potential advantages offered by visible light photocatalysis as a sustainable and environmentally friendly synthetic approach. Visible light-mediated reactions have gained attention in recent years due to their mild reaction conditions, operational simplicity, and the ability to access unique reactivity profiles. Moreover, visible light is abundant and less harmful than other sources of energy, making it an attractive choice for synthetic applications. The proposal aims to harness the power of visible light photocatalysis to develop a novel methodology for the synthesis of beta-lactam scaffolds.Synergistic visible light photocatalysis with organocatalysis is trending. The utilization of visible light photocatalysts, such as metal complexes or organic dyes, can enable the activation of specific substrates and facilitate the formation of key reactive species under mild reaction conditions. The photocatalysts absorb visible light and transfer energy to the reactants, initiating the desired transformations. By leveraging visible light photocatalysis, the proposal seeks to overcome traditional limitations in β-lactam synthesis, such as the use of harsh reaction conditions, limited substrate scope, and low selectivity. The project will likely involve the optimization of reaction parameters, catalyst screening, and mechanistic investigations to elucidate the key steps involved in the photocatalytic synthesis of β-lactams.As a consequence of the aforesaid knowledge and our profound curiosity, visible light-mediated reactions typically require milder conditions, generate fewer byproducts, and offer higher atom economy compared to conventional methods. This research has the potential to reduce waste generation, energy consumption, and the use of hazardous reagents. Overall, the scientific rationale behind the proposed research lies in addressing the synthetic challenges associated with β-lactam synthesis, leveraging the unique properties of visible light photocatalysis, promoting sustainable and green chemistry principles, broadening substrate scope, and gaining mechanistic insights. By combining these elements, the research aims to provide a novel and efficient approach for accessing β-lactam scaffolds, with potential implications in pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry.

Total Budget (INR):

45,85,301

Organizations involved