Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas have developed a new chemical reaction that allows for the selective synthesis of specific versions of mirror molecules found in nature. These molecules have potential applications in treating conditions like cancer, infection, and depression. The method developed by the team involves adding prenyl groups to enones using a newly developed catalyst to produce pure enantiomers of mirror-image pairs. The process is quick, efficient, and can be scaled up for large-scale production. This new approach could revolutionize drug discovery, manufacturing, and the development of natural product analogs with enhanced bioactivity.
Source link
Breakthrough in mirror molecule synthesis opens doors for drug discovery
