Chemists at the University of Cambridge have developed a new method to build larger molecules by adding a single carbon atom at a time. This makes it easier to design new medicines, agricultural products, and materials. The research, published in Nature, simplifies a previously complex process.
The method focuses on adding a single carbon atom to alkenes, common building blocks in many useful substances, including medicines and fragrances. Previously, this required multiple steps.
The Cambridge team created a special tool to attach a carbon atom to alkenes in one step. Dr. Marcus Grocott explained that this solves a long-standing problem. "Alkenes are everywhere, but there was no easy way to add just one carbon atom until now."
The key is a "carbon transfer" reagent. It attaches to the molecule, triggers a reaction, and adds a carbon atom. The researchers used this method to modify cyclosporine A, a drug affecting the immune system.
By adding one or two carbon atoms, they created new versions of the drug with different effects. This shows how small changes can significantly alter a molecule's function, allowing for better drug design. Professor Matthew Gaunt said this opens up new possibilities for creating new medicines and products.
This advancement could benefit the pharmaceutical, agricultural, and materials science industries, where small changes in molecules can lead to big improvements. The ability to precisely control molecule building is a major step forward.