Total synthesis of Bahamaolid A

• Applicant: Dr. Dominik Nitsch
• Subject Area: Organic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation
• Term: Funded in 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 272900634

Nature's efficiency to build up highly functionalized molecules is unique. Many compounds isolated from natural sources show a high biological activity and are therefore an attractive target as potential pharmaceuticals. Due to the limited natural availability of biological active molecules, an efficient and selective synthesis of such natural products is one of the goals of organic chemists. Bahamaolid A is a newly discovered macrocyclic natural product. So far no synthesis is reported. First biological tests showed a promising antifungal activity against various pathogenic fungi. Besides an interesting hexenone structure in the northern part of the molecule, the selective synthesis of the nine consecutive hydroxyl groups in the southern part is a challenge for the synthetic organic chemistry. The goal of this project is the stereoselective synthesis of Bahamaolid A using new synthetic methods based on organoboron compounds. The successful synthesis of the natural product would not only lead to new insights in the formation of highly complex molecules but would also open access to new pharmaceutical active compounds.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: United Kingdom
• Host: Professor Varinder Kumar Aggarwal, Ph.D.