Synthesis and Chemoenzymatic Approaches to Pharmaceutically Relevant Products and Intermediates
A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Organic Chemistry".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 October 2026 | Viewed by 257
Editors
Interests: organic synthesis; structural characterization of molecules with biological interest; solid-state characterization of nanoparticle systems for drug delivery; analytical techniques (UV, NMR, FTIR, XRPD, DSC)
Interests: biocatalysis; chemoenzymatic reactions; organic synthesis
Interests: organometallic chemistry; catalysis; transition metal complexes; biological active molecules; asymmetric synthesis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The discovery and development of efficient strategies for the preparation of pharmaceutically relevant products and intermediates remain central topics in medicinal chemistry. Accordingly, the exploration of new synthetic approaches for the production of advanced pharmaceutical intermediates has become an important research focus. Among these, innovative methods include metal-promoted reactions as well as biosynthetic and catalytic approaches.
Transition metal catalysis plays a crucial role in pharmaceutical synthesis, with noble metals such as Pd-, Ir- and Rh-based catalysts enabling highly selective and enantioselective transformations, including cross-coupling reactions, hydrogenations, and C–H activations. Conversely, earth-abundant metals (e.g., Fe, Cu, Zn) offer more sustainable and cost-effective alternatives. Together, these, metal catalysts provide a complementary toolkit for the synthesis of diverse heterocyclic frameworks, which form the core of countless bioactive compounds.
Traditional synthesis methods, however, still struggle to fully meet the demands for structural complexity and high purity for pharmaceutical intermediates. In this context, innovative chemoenzymatic and multicomponent strategies that combine enzymatic selectivity with the versatility of chemical synthesis represent an attractive alternative.
Over the past decade, such integrated approaches have increasingly exploited the strengths of both chemical catalysis and biocatalysis, enabling the selective and environmentally benign synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds. Nevertheless, further advances are required to improve catalyst compatibility, enzyme stability, and overall reaction efficiency.
Submissions of original articles and reviews focusing on the synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of biologically active compounds and intermediates—either via classical chemical synthesis or in combination with biotransformation reactions—are encouraged. Contributions addressing sustainable and innovative strategies in the design of pharmaceutical products and intermediates will further enrich this Special Issue.
Dr. Elena Pini
Prof. Raffaella Gandolfi
Dr. Giorgio Facchetti
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- organic synthesis
- chemoenzymatic synthesis
- active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)
- pharmaceutical intermediates
- drug development
- organometallic catalysis
- stereo-controlled reactions
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