Sustainable Mechanochemical Methodologies for the Synthesis of Heteroaromatic Frameworks

• Grant number: 25/25856-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: May 01, 2026
• End date: April 30, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Organic Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Júlio Cezar Pastre
• Grantee: Bruna Butke de Souza
• Supervisor: Frederic Lamaty
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Institut Des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, France
• Associated to the scholarship: 23/01238-2 - Synthesis of new aromatic compounds derived from renewable sources, BP.DD

Abstract

Nitrogen-containing aromatic compounds hold great importance across multiple areas of chemistry and industry, particularly in drug discovery, as over 84% of approved pharmaceuticals contain at least one nitrogen atom in their molecular scaffolds and around 60% feature nitrogen heterocycles. Thus, the sustainable synthesis of new nitrogenated heteroaromatic frameworks remains a central challenge in modern organic chemistry.In line with the growing demand for environmentally benign methodologies, this proposal explores mechanochemistry as an innovative and sustainable technology for the synthesis of nitrogen-containing heteroaromatics. Distinguished by its efficiency, solvent-free conditions, and scalability potential, mechanochemistry offers a promising alternative to traditional synthetic methods.Specifically, we propose the mechanochemical synthesis of furo[3,2-b]pyridines from 3-acetamido-5-acetylfuran (3A5AF), a versatile biomass-derived intermediate obtainable from chitin. In parallel, the preparation of nitrogenated phthalimides, including from chitin-based derivatives, will also be investigated under thermally assisted mechanochemical conditions, aiming for significant improvements in yield, selectivity and sustainability.Overall, this proposal seeks a comprehensive redesign of reaction conditions, with the potential to establish new synthetic paradigms. The expected outcomes will advance the chemistry of nitrogen heterocycles, demonstrating the transformative power of mechanochemistry in constructing bioactive molecules through cleaner, more efficient and economically viable routes. (AU)