Thus, the correct chirality must be built into a synthesized biomolecule. Our yields are high, depending upon the reagent being used and the type of amino acid being produced. Beak's methodology, developed in collaboration with Yong Sun Park, a postdoctoral research associate, uses a process of transient molecular bonding called chiral ligand binding. By carrying out the lithiation and substitution in the presence of the chiral ligand and selecting the appropriate reagents, we are able to generate a product that is highly enriched in either of the two enantiomers of the desired amino acid. The production of unnatural amino acids is of particular interest to the pharmaceutical industry, Beak said.
Nature uses only one enantiomer of amino acids in the construction of enzymes and proteins.
The metabolism of the human body has developed ways to break these down. By placing an unnatural amino acid in biologically active molecules, the stability of a possible drug can be significantly enhanced. In addition to synthesizing enantiomers of aryl amino acids, Beak also has used his chiral ligand chemistry to create a variety of enantioenriched acids, amides, amines and aldehydes. Beak's latest research results were published in the March 21 issue of the Journal of Organic Chemistry.