LAQV REQUIMTE

Molecular Synthesis

The Molecular Synthesis group integrates organic, inorganic, physical, and biological chemists whose common interest is to create molecules. The group is focused in designing Molecules and Materials for biomedical, agricultural, environmental, energy, and food applications, and in improving Synthetic Methods based on the sustainable chemistry concept.

Several classes of molecular frameworks, such as hydroxypyridinones, porphyrins, carbohydrates, amino acids, benzimidazoles, and peptides, are functionalized to produce molecules whose physicochemical properties are fine-tuned according to the application in view. Examples are fluorescent chelators to monitor and sensing metal ions in body fluids and natural waters, and anticancer, antimalarial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory drug candidates. Peptides, carbohydrates, porphyrins, and dyes like coumarin and xanthene derivatives are preferential frameworks to produce materials with applications in Biomedical Engineering, [Bio]sensing, Catalysis, Separation, and Cleaner Energies.