The Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Interfaces group focuses on the synthesis of small molecules (e.g. natural products, heterocycles, ligands) with downstream biological applications (chemical biology, pharmacology, agriculture and environment). It combines expertises in multistep total synthesis including biomimetic strategies (Bastien Nay), multicomponent and heterocyclic chemistry (Laurent El Kaïm), catalysis in total synthesis (Sébastien Prévost), all amenable to the production of a large diversity of structures. It is also closely connected to the New Methods in Organic Synthesis group by the development of new methodologies for synthetic applications. Interdisciplinary interactions in the biological fields are made possible thanks to strong national and international networks and the local cutting-edge environment at Ecole Polytechnique, allowing chemical biology and biophysical approaches.
Three teams are working together in this thematic group:
● Multicomponent reactions (Laurent El Kaim)
The research activities are mainly devoted to isonitrile chemistry, multicomponent reactions and the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds with high added value.
● Total Synthesis and Interfaces (Bastien Nay)
Total synthesis and related synthetic methodologies, incorporating biomimetic approaches, are developed at the biological interface. The biological potential of synthetic targets brings opportunitiesfor collaborations with biologists, biophysicists and other chemists.
● Catalysis and Natural Product Synthesis (Sébastien Prévost)
The research activities are focused on the development of new catalytic methodologies and biomimetic approaches for the synthesis of natural products.