Towards the development of a cyclisation-release screening methodology for new C-C bond forming reactions

Abstract

The objective of this project is primarily to develop a cyclisation-release methodology which could be applied to the investigation of Baylis-Hillman reactions, and to further develop a methodology, enzymatic or chemical, suitable to screen reaction products. The screening process will ultimately be incorporated to identify a potential Baylis-Hillmanase, developed through directed evolution by other members of the Berrisford group. This area of work is based around evolving aldolase enzymes as they are reversibly catalytic in living organisms, and can be of much aid in working towards a Baylis-Hillman catalysing enzyme, thus an ideal starting point for directed evolution. There is wide-spread enthusiasm in the Baylis-Hillman synthesis and the manufacture of abiotic, asymmetric organic catalysts. There is no general asymmetric catalyst or even a biocatalytic analogue of this reaction. In a wider context, development of a screen will help validate successful directed evolution, of a totally new C-C bond forming enzyme originating from a class of aldolases.

Date of Award	31 Dec 2010
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	David Berrisford (Supervisor)