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III.
Biomimetic Catalysis
Biomimetic
chemistry, a term coined in 1972 by
R. Breslow, effectively means mimicking
biological systems in their remarkable abilities at the construction of
complex natural products. Nature's enzymes catalyze reactions at
fairly rapid rates as well as high selectivities.
We will construct catalytic systems, initially based on cyclodextrin
recognition sites. The secondary face of cyclodextrin (shown below)
can be functionalized without distorting the overall shape of the
hydrophobic cavity. Several side chains will be attached to achieve
selective catalysis leading to the synthesis of natural products otherwise
difficult to obtain by direct synthesis.
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