Since 1987, when Professor Mark Lautens joined U of T, his organic chemistry research group has been mandated with trying “to discover new kinds of chemical reactions and new strategies to synthesize molecules.” To do this, his research team has focused on using catalytic agents, substances that increase the rate of a chemical reaction but which are left unchanged by the reaction.
Recently, Lautens’ leading edge research received significant recognition. It’s a long title, but with it he is the new holder of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)-Merck Frosst Canada Industrial Research Chair in New Medicinal Agents via Catalytic Reactions. This appointment, in conjunction with his impressive list of past awards and honours, has further contributed to Lautens’ international acclaim as a leader in synthetic methods, asymmetric catalysis and the synthesis of medicinally important molecules.
Although Merck Frosst is a contributor, Professor Lautens points out that his research is focused on “fundamental reaction discoveries and exploring reactions to their potential” and not concerned about developing a specific pharmaceutical drug. As a research institution, Lautens’ group can afford to take on more risky experimental endeavours, because unlike pharmaceutical companies, they are not driven by profit or shareholders, “we are driven by curiosity” he remarks.
One of the highlights of Lautens’ experimental work was the discovery of a new catalytic reaction mechanism using nickel. The end product was identified as a molecule in the same class as sertraline, commonly known as Zoloft, a pharmaceutical used in the treatment of depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and panic disorder. As Lautens explains, “we found a way to make Zoloft,” but more importantly, he claims they discovered “a whole new way of thinking about how to make these molecules.” As with this discovery, Lautens has further developed new techniques and reaction mechanisms using different catalysts to make molecules that “have very diverse biological activities, everything from pain-suppression to anti-depression plus activities we don’t even know yet.”
In addition to developing new, creative reaction mechanisms, Lautens’ research group is also exploring the opportunity to use more environmentally friendly reaction solvents, such as water, to reduce the release of potentially harmful reaction by-products into the environment.
Lautens’ indicates that while the appointment has not changed his daily routine, it has opened new doors by allowing his department to compete for the very best graduate students and faculty. The added financial security will also allow Lautens to focus more on long term research and not worry about the continual application for grant money to support his endeavours.
