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Diels-Alder Reaction to Synthesize Biologically Active Molecules
Wittwer, Emmaline A.
Wittwer, Emmaline A.
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URCAS, Student research, 2018 Spring, Class of 2020, Chemistry, Department of, Cancer
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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.
Description
Presentation by Emmaline Wittwer ('20) delivered at the Rhodes College Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Symposium (URCAS).