I. Meyer-Schuster rearrangement
Meyer-Schuster rearrangement is an atom economical reaction, in which α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds are formed from propargylic alcohols and their derivatives by formal migration of the carbonyl group. Brønsted acids have been used traditionally as stoichiometric catalysts, but more recently, several Lewis acids both salts and metal complexes, have become popular due to their selectivity and mild conditions applied. Also oxo-metal complexes are often used despite the high reaction temperature needed.
In this thesis, various manners and catalysts for the Meyer-Schuster rearrangement are reviewed. Reactivity of different substrates and practicality of several types of catalysts are evaluated. In addition, different reaction mechanisms are discussed, as they are highly substrate and catalyst-dependent. Propargylic alcohols have two functional groups, in which the catalysts can coordinate according to their characteristics. Especially gold compounds, which are soft Lewis acids, have gained interest due to their specific coordination ability.
II. Synthesis of potential FtsZ inhibitors
FtsZ, which is a bacterial homologue for tubulin, is essential in the cell division. It polymerizes into a dynamic ring structure, which constricts to separate the new daughter cells. Being FtsZ protein-directing compounds, 3-methoxybenzamide derivatives have been noticed to inhibit growth of certain bacteria.
In this work, a set of molecules was synthesized based on PC190723, which is a 3-methoxybenzamide derivative. In order to study interactions between the protein and the inhibitors, fluorescent groups were attached. Polymer sedimentation tests and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to study shortly the biological behavior of the products. It was discovered that one of the products is a polymer-stabilizing and thus, FtsZ activity inhibiting compound.
