Synthetic Chemistry Laboratory

Enhancement of bioactivity through a library synthesis

We are derivatizing a number of bioactive molecules such as flavonoids, anthraquinones, etc. for the enhancement of bioactivities. For example, quercetin is a naturally occurring flavonoid which exhibits a high antioxidative property. Unfortunately, its water insoluble property and the nature of rapid conjugation with glucuronosyltransferases and sulfotransferases present in the small intestine halts it to reach in the malignant organs through gastrointestinal tract in oral therapy. We are synthesizing several quercetin derivatives and comparing their in vitro and in vivo bioactivities to obtain medicinally important drug molecules.

Novel synthetic methodologies

Development of novel strategies for the synthesis of various target molecules is another research topic. Various metal (Cu, Ag, Au, Fe, Ru, Rh, Ni, Pd, Pt, Mg, etc.) complexes are under investigation to develop new catalytic reactions. Cyclizations, nucleophilic additions, C‒H activations and literature driven synthesis of frontier molecules are some of our running projects.

Development of industrial processes and green chemistry

We are focusing on development of atom economic, cost effective and eco-friendly industrial processes. Avoiding of organic solvents and hazardous reagents, development of high yielding and atom economic process, the use of mild reaction conditions, ease protocols for purification, microwave and light-promoted synthesis, short step total synthesis, etc. are the goals.

Team members

1. Dr. Gan B. Bajracharya ([email protected])
2. Mr. Gangaram Upadhyay ([email protected])