DNA-based hybrid catalysts
Currently, many efforts are directed to use the concepts of biology for preparing efficient chiral catalysts for synthetic applications. The hybrid catalyst approach combines the steric information derived from a biomolecule with the catalytic activity of a transition metal complex and offers a strategy for developing novel catalytic systems for enantioselective syntheses (1). The utility of DNA-based hybrid catalysis has been demonstrated in several reports, but until recently its range was limited to Lewis acid catalysis. In 2009, we reported the first true organometallic catalysis by nucleic acid-based hybrid catalysts (2), based on our earlier work (3,4).
This success sets the stage for a variety of new projects; addressing mechanistic questions, strategies to improve performance and selectivity of the catalysts, and the exploration of new reactions, ligands, and transition metals.
On the preparative side, this will involve demanding organic synthesis, in combination with a limited set of molecular biology techniques. We will use ESI-FTICR mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy plus a variety of chromatographic and other analytical methods.
The successful candidate (preferably a chemist) will be a member of an international, highly motivated team of chemists, biochemists, biotechnologists and pharmacists that work at the forefront of RNA chemical biology.
References:
- For a recent review, see Pordea & Ward, Synlett 2009 (20) 3225.
- Fournier et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2009 (48) 4426; Angew. Chem. 2009 (121) 4490.
- Fiammengo et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2005 (127) 9271.
- Caprioara et al. Chem. Eur. J. 2007 (13) 2089.
