Terpenes are natural substances found in plants, insects, and sea sponges, which have various applications in cosmetics, food flavors, and medicine. Chemists at the University of Basel have developed a new method of synthesis for terpenes, which are difficult to produce synthetically. These substances have shown promise in therapies for conditions such as cancer, malaria, and epilepsy, but they need to be produced synthetically to control their molecular structure and make targeted changes.
Professor Olivier Baudoin and his doctoral student Oleksandr Vyhivskyi have introduced a new approach to total synthesis of terpenes, specifically two diterpenes – randainin D and barekoxide. Randainin D, originally extracted from plants, has shown potential as a therapeutic agent for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and cystic fibrosis. The chemists were able to synthesize randainin D in 17 steps using ring-closing metathesis and photocatalysis, a process where chemical reactions are promoted by light energy.
Through their synthesis method, Baudoin and Vyhivskyi were able to construct complex structures of terpenes, such as the ring structure and the insertion of an allyl group, which is essential for the synthesis of organic substances. They also successfully produced barekoxide using the same method, simplifying the total synthesis process from ten steps to seven. This reduction in steps could potentially lead to more efficient and cost-effective production of terpenes for medicinal purposes.
The researchers highlight the potential of photocatalysis for the total synthesis of complex terpenes, which could open up new possibilities for the development of medications. By utilizing this method, they have demonstrated the feasibility of producing terpenes in a more streamlined and efficient manner. This advancement could have significant implications for the pharmaceutical industry, as it allows for the creation of new therapeutic agents based on natural substances with promising medicinal properties.
Overall, the development of a new synthesis method for terpenes by chemists at the University of Basel represents a significant breakthrough in the field of drug discovery and development. By successfully producing complex terpenes like randainin D and barekoxide in a more efficient manner, the researchers have paved the way for the potential development of new medications based on natural substances. This innovative approach to total synthesis using photocatalysis has the potential to revolutionize the pharmaceutical industry and lead to the creation of novel therapies for various medical conditions.