Michael Herm

Towards synthetic adrenaline receptors--shape-selective adrenaline recognition in water.

In spite of their key role in signal transduction, the mechanism of action of adrenergic receptors is still poorly understood. We have imitated the postulated binding pattern of the large membrane protein with a small, rationally designed synthetic host molecule. Experimental evidence is presented for the simultaneous operation of electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonds, pi stacking, and hydrophobic interactions. By virtue of this combination of weak attractive forces, adrenaline derivatives in water are bound with high shape selectivity for the slim dopamine skeleton. We think that these findings support the postulated cooperative interplay of noncovalent interactions in the natural receptors. In addition, they provide access to a new type of adrenaline sensor. This may be the first step towards an artificial signal-transduction system.

Towards Synthetic Adrenaline Receptors—Shape‐Selective Adrenaline Recognition in Water

A new rationally designed receptor molecule binds adrenaline derivatives in water. Its binding pattern imitates the interplay of noncovalent interactions operating in the natural receptor. High shape selectivity is achieved for the slim dopamine skeleton, and leads to rejection of substrates with an α-substituent, such as amino acid derivatives.

CHELATE COMPLEXES WITH THE P=O-DOUBLE BOND : A NEW CONCEPT FOR ASYMMETRIC SYNTHESIS

A new strategy for asymmetric synthesis uses highly efficient cyclic phosphorus amidate auxiliaries capable of forming a rigid chelate complex with a metal enolate.

Cyclodextrin-assisted polymerization: A new way to synthesize powder coat resins

Solid acrylic resins for powder clear coats are usually produced by solution polymerization. Much energy is consumed by distillation of organic solvents and grinding of the solidified polymer which are inevitable steps in this process. In our contribution we present a new way to synthesize powder clear coat resins by polymerization in aqueous solutions containing the renewable resource cyclodextrin. This process avoids both the distillation and the grinding step, because the product precipitates as a powder and can be filtered off.

SYNTHETIC ADRENALINE RECEPTORS BASED ON BISPHOSPHONATES

Synthetic models of the natural adrenergic receptors are presented, and their binding properties to several biologically important amines and amino alcohols in dimethylsulfoxide and methanol are discussed. NMR titrations have been carried out to determine their binding constants.