Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	EP/C000927/1
Title:	ASYMMETRIC TRANSFER HYDROGENATION USING LIGANDS DERIVED FROM CHIRAL EPOXIDES.
Principal Investigator:	Wills, Professor M
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department:	Chemistry
Organisation:	University of Warwick
Scheme:	Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts:	01 January 2005	Ends:	31 March 2008	Value (£):	101,635
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Asymmetric Chemistry Chemical Synthetic Methodology
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
Many molecules exist in two, non-superimposable, mirror-image forms. Biological systems, in particular, are comprised largely of molecules built up from many units of a single handedness (also called 'enantiomers'). As a result, biological systems (including us!) are very sensitive to the different 'handedness' of any molecule which we ingest. If we ingest a pharmaceutical material with the ability to exist in two mirror-image forms (enantiomers) then there is a high chance that each of them will have a different physiological effect. One might cure an ilness, for example, whilst the other might have an altogether undesirable side effect. It is therefore essential (and is now the law) that all pharmceutical materials which can exist as a mixture of enantiomers, are produced and tested in 'single-handedness' form. The problem is that the synthesis of pure enantiomers is not trivial. Indeed it represents one of the major challenges of contemporary organic chemistry. This project is concerned with the synthesis, characterisation and use of a series of new catalysts which will convert relatively inexpensive and readily available starting materials (ketones) to enantiomerically-pure, high value, products (alcohols) in a process known as asymmetric transfer hydrogenation. The speculated catalysts described in the proposal are based upon some materials which have been developed by the group of the principle applicant. However they are designed to be more stable and active for existing catalyst, whilst also being tailorable to individual groups of target materials.
Key Findings
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Potential use in non-academic contexts
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Organisation Website:	http://www.warwick.ac.uk