Abstract

Double Trouble - Two multi-component Reactions in Flow

Christopher Smith, Lecturer in Organic Chemistry, University of Reading

Multi-component reactions (MCR) are efficient methods for the rapid synthesis of large libraries of compounds for biological testing. By joining together two such MCRs in series (Petasis and Ugi) we have, in effect, created a six-component coupling reaction. The reactions were performed in flow with in-line HPLC analysis, which permitted automated optimisation and kinetic analyses to be performed. The maximum yield was quickly established alongside empirical reaction rates; the system therefore allows for simple component substitution for library synthesis, or conversely, straightforward scale-out for larger quantities of material.