High throughput methods in the development of new asymmetric reactions: Fluorescence resonance energy transfer technology for screening potential catalysts

Abstract

High throughput methods are valuable for decreasing the time needed for the development of new asymmetric reactions. Catalyst discovery may be accelerated by the rapid screening of reactions for enantioselectivity. Chiral substrates are used in a novel fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay. A fluorophore (donor), a fluorescence quencher (acceptor) and a recognition element are part of the assay substrates. The latter are prepared using different fluorescent donor/acceptor pairs for each enantiomer of the recognition element. Screening is performed using equimolar mixture of the two substrates. Weak fluorescence indicates no reaction. Strong fluorescence at both wavelengths indicates a non-selective reaction while an enantioselective coupling would display strong fluorescence at only one wavelength.* *Please refer to dissertation for diagrams.