Synlett 2023; 34(12): 1309-1316
DOI: 10.1055/a-1994-3327
account
Special Issue Honoring Masahiro Murakami’s Contributions to Science

Catalyst-Free Reactions under Biocompatible Conditions

Mi Ren
a   Institute of Advanced Synthesis, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, P. R. of China
,
Ming-Zhu Lu
b   College of Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, 450001, P. R. of China
c   Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 637371 Singapore, Singapore
d   School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huaiyin Normal University, Huai’an 223300, P. R. of China
,
Teck-Peng Loh
a   Institute of Advanced Synthesis, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, P. R. of China
b   College of Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, 450001, P. R. of China
c   Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 637371 Singapore, Singapore
› Author Affiliations
We gratefully acknowledge generous financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (no. 22101095) and the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Talents Plan of Jiangsu Province (M.-Z.L.). We also gratefully acknowledge the financial support from Distinguished University Professor Grant (Nanyang Technological University), AcRF Tier 1 grants from the Ministry of Education of Singapore (RG11/20 and RT14/20), and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) under its MTC Individual Research Grants (M21K2c0114).


Abstract

Catalyst-free biocompatible reactions are a class of green chemical processes that are also applicable to the field of chemical biology. In this account, we detail our journey in this exciting area of research since 2000. Various types of catalyst-free biocompatible reactions, such as the Mukaiyama aldol reactions and thiol-specific click reactions, and their applications to the functionalization of proteins are described. These reactions work well without destroying the three-dimensional structures of the proteins. Other reactions, including the C–SO2 and C–N bond-forming reactions, are also discussed. These reactions work in a truly green manner in which the use of organic solvents can be totally avoided. This toolbox of green chemical processes will certainly facilitate the work of researchers in the pharmaceutical industries.

1 Introduction

2 C–C Bond-Formation Reactions: The Mukaiyama Aldol Reaction

3 C–S Bond-Formation Reactions: Allenic Amide as the Electrophiles

4 C–SO2R Bond-Formation Reactions

4.1 Allylic Alcohols as the Electrophiles

4.2 Allenic Carbonyl Compounds as the Electrophiles

5 C–N Bond-Formation Reactions

6 Conclusions and Outlook



Publication History

Received: 30 October 2022

Accepted after revision: 07 December 2022

Accepted Manuscript online:
07 December 2022

Article published online:
15 February 2023

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