Catalytic system makes the synthesis of bioactive molecules easier
Wednesday, May 21, 2014 - 09:30
in Biology & Nature
Plants and herbs containing phthalide molecules—organic compounds that fuse aromatic benzene rings with cyclic, oxygen-bearing hydrocarbons known as lactones—have been used since ancient times as natural medicines to treat diseases such as cardiovascular ailments. Chemists have recently discovered that phthalides can act as valuable 'scaffolds' in the construction of pharmaceuticals with complex structures and more potent capabilities. Unfortunately, phthalides are normally produced through multistep synthetic pathways that can significantly increase manufacturing costs.