Abstract:
A multiple approach is desirable to collect an amount of information that is sufficient to analyze the complex phenomenon 'chiral recognition'. In this thesis, factors governing three different systems have been studied by applying such a multiple approach.
In chapter 1, an intriguing new methodology is reported. Here, a weak covalent bond is formed between a chiral selector of the acetal type and suitable nucleophiles. Multiple sets of racemic nucleophiles have been used to form an acetal, and the selector has been attached to a multitude of solid supports. Usually, a nonpolar, nonprotic solvent and acid catalysis are favourable conditions. A controlled release of the analyte by lowering the pH allows to effectively separate the enantiomers.
In chapter 2, the multiple approach is applied to a complete search through all possible local minima of a medium sized organic molecule, i.e., N-trifluoroactyl-L-phenylalanine 3'-pentyl ester S-24. The concept of chirality enhancement through preferential induction of particular chiral conformations of the flexible 3'-pentyl ester group was scrutinized in an extended search of 4224 permutations of 8 essential single bonds, 2083 of which were found to exist within the limits of the MM2 method applied.
In chapter 3, heterocyclic oxiranes are presented that have been varied systematically for the first time, and isolated as pure racemic compounds. These synthons do not only bear a potential for finding new drug candidates by combining this set of 14 reactive compounds with well known and extended sets of classical nucleophilic pharmacophores, but they have also served as a test set for the systematic study of chiral recognition phenomena with a series of 5 structurally related chiral HPLC phases of the DAICEL type.
In conclusion, the multiple approach has proven necessary and valid to establish rules and guidelines for further progress in discovery of chiral recognition phenomena.