Schwartz reduction enables many vital transformations in synthetic organic chemistry including its large-scale application in manufacturing of paclitaxel (taxolTM), a generic anticancer drug to treat patients with lung, ovarian, and breast cancer. Although the Schwartz reagent is commercially available, it is expensive and problematic for long-time storage due to its sensitivity to air, light and moisture.
Current in situ Schwartz reagent generation procedures are all based on the initial preparation of the Schwartz reagent for use in the subsequent reactions. Concerns of over-reduction to Cp2ZrH2, solubility of the Schwartz reagent, functional group compatibility, and the crude reagent efficiency still remain. This technology overcomes these drawbacks and makes the Schwartz reduction a feasible synthetic route.
Benefits:
By implementing the single-step technology in current Schwartz reductions, you could benefit from:
This single-step technology has been successfully demonstrated in (1) hydrozirconation (2) the reduction of tertiary amides to the corresponding aldehydes and (3) the reduction of O-carbamates to phenols efficiently. In addition, this technology may expand the utilities of benzamide Directed ortho Metalation (DoM) chemistry by conversion of the amide group under mild conditions, especially in the presence of other useful functionalities for the synthesis of complex aromatic and heteroaromatic compounds. This technology can be used but not limited in the following areas:
Status of Commercialization:
PARTEQ Innovations, the technology transfer arm of Queen’s University, has sought broad patent protection on this technology. Currently, PARTEQ is seeking industrial partners willing to license the intellectual property.