We are interested in the development of novel synthetic methods with a focus on catalytic reactions mediated by transition metals (Pd, Au). The methodology is applied to economic syntheses of biologically interesting natural products as well as to the preparation and biological evaluation of small libraries of natural product analogs. In particular, cytostatic, antimicrobial, antifungal and bronchodilatory effects are evaluated. Following the evaluation of structure-activity relationships, the data obtained are used as a feedback for design and synthesis of a new generation of analogues with (ideally) improved biological activity and/or lower toxicity.
As regards methodology development, our primary goal is further development of catalytic reactions of Pd and Au complexes, mainly in the cyclization of enynes, various coupling processes and direct activation of C-H bonds. To apply the methodology, we are currently working on lactones of natural origin with antifungal properties that have been a long-term objective of both synthetic and biological studies. We have also recently started the preparation of analogs of quinazoline alkaloids with bronchodilatory activity. Apart from natural products, the methods developer can be employed in the preparation of specifically substituted heterocycles, unavailable by classical organic chemistry.
News
October 2023 - Bartoloměj and Patrik joined our group as new Ph.D. students.
September 2023 - Mája successfully defended her master thesis. Congratulations!
August 2023 - Stefanie returned from her Erasmus internship. She gained experience in electrochemistry within dr. Beil group (University of Groningen, The Netherlands).
July 2023 - By the end of June, Zbyněk Brůža left our group and started his new career in Apigenex, s.r.o., Prague (R&D in chemistry and pharmacology company). We wish him all the best!
June 2023 - Bartoloměj, Petr and Patrik successfully defended their master theses under the supervision of Petr Matouš. Congratulations!
September 2022 - Mona and Míša successfully defended thier master theses under the supervision of Marcel Špulák. Congratulations!
September 2022 - Petr returned from his internship in Berlin filled with nex experiences, knowledge and inspiration.
March 2022 - Ondra's Grant Agency of Charles University project "Synthesis of Novel Natural Isocoumarines Using Tandem Pd-Catalysis" has been founded.
March 2022 - Petr M. temporarily left us as he went on an internship at the Freie Universität Berlin. He joined the group of prof. Mathias Christmann (Christmann Group) for six months.
January 2022 - Jana Křoustková (Maříková) became the assistant professor at the Department of Botany and Pharmacognosy! We wish her all the best in her future work and look forward to cooperation.
December 2021 - Our Czech Science Foundation project (Heteroradialene Approach Towards to the Synthesis of Isocoumarines and Isolycoricidines) has been founded!
September 2021 – Ondřej Kratochvíl successfully defended his diploma thesis - CONGRATULATIONS! We are glad he decided to join our group as Ph.D. student. We wish Ondřej good luck and the best yields!
May 2021 – Jana Maříková successfully passed the defense of her thesis and obtained Ph.D. title! Congratulations.
