Sreemoyee Chatterjee
... Read More
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
Written By: Sreemoyee Chatterjee | Published : October 16, 2018 6:22 PM IST
New method of developing synthetic drugs © Shutterstock
In an attempt to bring another breakthrough in the medical drug world, scientists have come up with a novel way to generate molecules sustainably in order to design new types of synthetic drugs. The researchers from the Ohio State University in the US highlighted that this new method involves formation of ketyl radicals which are reactive intermediates and offer a way to use catalysts for converting simple molecules into complex structures in one chemical reaction. The study published in the journal Science showed that this method is less harsh, more sustainable and can be done in a waste-free manner.
"The previous strategy for creating ketyl radicals is about a century old. We have a found a complementary way to access ketyl radicals using LED lights for the synthesis of complex, drug-like molecules," reportedly said David Nagib, an assistant professor at The Ohio State University.
According to a latest media report, he added: "The story starts with carbonyls, compounds that function as one of the most common building blocks in creating potential new drugs."
These radicals have enabled the researchers to form new bonds in order to create complex, drug-like products. This is because they contain an unpaired electron desperately looking for its partner, say the researchers.
Also, the study has shown a new way of using manganese as a catalyst that could be activated with a simple LED light. "Manganese is very cheap and abundant, which makes it an excellent catalyst. Also, it allows us to access radicals by a complementary atom-transfer mechanism, rather than the classic electron-transfer mechanism," reportedly said Nagib.
