University of Cambridge researchers have developed a novel technique which can easily add single carbon atoms to molecules, providing a new approach to designing complex chemical products and potentially accelerating drug discovery.
The research, published in the journal Nature, outlines a breakthrough new technique to extend molecular chains by targeting alkenes. Found in an array of everyday products, alkenes are a class of molecules characterized by their double bonds between carbon atoms.
"Alkenes are common and incredibly useful structures in chemistry, but until now, there hasn't been a straightforward way to selectively add just one carbon atom to them," said Dr. Marcus Grocott from the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge.
The key to the breakthrough technique is a new chemical tool based on an allyl sulfone "1-carbon transfer reagent," which allows the addition of a single carbon atom at a time. By first attaching to the target compound, the molecule can then start a reaction to bond them together.
"It's a smart and simple design," added Professor Matthew Gaunt. "Each part of the molecule has a specific role. One part helps trigger the final step, another controls the timing, and another helps it stick to the target at the beginning."
"This is about more than extending molecules," said Gaunt. "It's about giving chemists a new way to explore chemical space and unlock previously inaccessible drug variants."
The ability to precisely fine tune molecules could prove transformative for medicinal chemistry applications by allowing for the introduction of new functional groups. Beyond pharmaceuticals, the method could find a home in other applications such as crop protection.
"This new chemistry gives us control over molecular structure in a way that's both simple and broadly useful," added Dr. Grocott. "It opens the door to designing smarter, better-targeted compounds across a range of industries."