Abstract

The synthesis of α-hydroxy aldehydes and hydroxymethyl ketones as well as their interconversion to each other are discussed in this thesis. The literature survey of the monograph reviews the synthetic methods for the preparation of 1,2-bifunctionalized hydroxy aldehydes and ketones. The keto-aldehyde isomerisation reaction catalyzed by Triosephosphate isomerase enzyme (TIM) and organic compounds that interact with the TIM are also introduced. In addition, the microwave heating techniques in organic syntheses are reviewed. The practical work consists of two entities: The synthesis of new substrate candidates and transition state analogues for a mutated monomeric TIM. These compounds are model compounds for the catalytic activity and the structural studies of the mutated monomeric TIM. The synthesis of the sulphonyl α-hydroxy ketone-based substrate candidates consists of four successive syntheses. The microwave-activation was utilized in the preparation of a carbon-sulphur bond and the synthesis of hydroxymethyl ketones. The improved synthesis of the terminal α-hydroxy ketone functionality with microwave activation is presented. The formation of charged compounds was utilized to improve the absorption of microwave energy of reaction mixtures. The design and the synthetic work were carried out in accordance to principles of green chemistry. The second part of the practical work is the development of an organocatalytic α-oxybenzoylation reaction of aldehydes with high enantiomeric selectivity. This novel method generated enantiomerically pure α-hydroxy aldehydes in the stable benzoate-protected form from achiral starting materials under mild conditions at the presence of air and moisture.