Diels-Alder Reaction to Synthesize Biologically Active Molecules

Abstract

An ethanol extract from the roots of Boesenbergia pandurate shows bioactivity which is harmful to the cells of PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer. Additionally, fifteen other molecules have been identified via purification of the extract. Dr. Horgen's lab is working to synthesize these compounds. All of the target compounds have a similar core structure. We will work to make this core structure using a Diels-Alder reaction. This reaction will use a catalyst, aluminum hexagonal silica (Al-HMS), which will be synthesized from tetraethyl orthosilicate, aluminum isopropoxide and hexadecylamine. The use of this catalyst has been shown to lead to high yields in the Diels-Alder reactions between similar diene and chalcone dieneophiles. Finding a reliable way to make this core structure will provide the first step in a route to make the identified biologically active compounds that could be used to create an anticancer drug.