Total synthesis of novel neurotrophic agents

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Jan Deska
• Subject Area: Organic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation
• Term: from 2007 to 2008
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 60351920

Natural product synthesis represents one of the most challenging subjects for synthetic chemists. In nature, an inexhaustible array of functional molecular entities has been created over millions of years, being subjected to highly efficient evolutionary screenings whereas extraordinarily target specific compounds arose. Due to their unique pharmacological activity and specific interaction in biological systems, natural products are ideally suited as lead structures for drug discovery. Since natural resources are often scarce and in drug development the generation of structural analogues is desired, synthetic approaches play a key role in availing of nature s instruction manual towards novel Pharmaceuticals. Therefore the development of practical syntheses serves as a valuable tool for the optimization of lead structures as well as the understanding of complex modes of action and structure-activity-relationships of potential drugs.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: India
• Host: Professor Dr. Goverdhan Mehta