Webster Santos, Virginia Tech

Stereoselective Borylation Reactions and Sphingosine Kinase Medicinal Chemistry

Faculty host: Prof. Popp

Santos Laboratory Webpage

In this presentation, we will discuss our work in the development of transition metal-free methods for trans borylation of activated alkynes in regio- and stereoselective fashion. Experimental and theoretical studies provide mechanistic insights into stereoselectivity of the reaction. As a separate project, we will disclose the development of sphingosine kinase inhibitors and their use as chemical biology tools in determining the in vivo function of the enzymes. Sphingosine kinase is implicated in diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s diseases, inflammation, and sickle cell disease.