CATALYSTS
Figure 2 - E / Z selectivity with molybdenum & tungsten catalysts product Epothilone C requires high Z-selectivity for the stereoselective conversion of its intermediate , which can be achieved by tungstenbased catalysts .
The stereochemical configuration of alkenes and the resulting moieties is crucial to the beneficial properties of some biologically active compounds . XiMo ’ s catalysts are not only highly efficient but also enable the production of products with significant degrees of stereoselectivity ( Figure 3 ). In addition , molybdenum and tungsten have relatively low toxicity by the oral route of administration , which eases the removal of trace metal in medicines .
Functional group tolerance
The inclusion of a wide range of functional groups in the metathesis reactions is tolerated , expanding the scope and utility of Schrocktype catalysts in complex organic synthesis . For instance :
• Amines : These are frequently present in natural and biologically active substances . XiMo ’ s catalysts can effectively handle amines without losing activity or selectivity
• Enol ethers : The introduction of readily convertible functional groups into molecules can be efficiently achieved with XiMo ’ s catalysts
• Vinyl halides : The incorporation of halogens into molecules is made possible , enabling further functionalisation and application in diverse chemical processes
• Trifluoromethyl ( -CF 3 ) groups : Adding -CF 3 groups into biologically active molecules can significantly alter properties such as membrane permeability and drug metabolism , enhancing their pharmaceutical potential In addition to olefin metathesis , XiMo ’ s catalysts provide solutions for alkyne metathesis , which involves the transformation of triple bonds . This reaction expands the toolbox for chemists , enabling the creation of complex and valuable structures that are otherwise challenging to synthesise .
Industrial application
Olefin metathesis allows the transformation of readily available , inexpensive C = C bonds into more valuable and otherwise difficult-toprepare compounds . Ethenolysis , or cross-metathesis using ethylene , is a prime example where these catalysts excel . They handle ethylene well and require low catalyst loading . This
Catalyst |
Conversion (%) |
Isolated yield |
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(%) |
Figure 3 - Asymmetric ring-closing metathesis makes the process economically viable and environmentally friendly .
Stereospecific ring-opening metathesis polymerisation ( ROMP ) of norbornene-type compounds produces highly regular polymers with high melting points and crystallinity .
Dicyclopentadiene ( DCPD ), a byproduct of petroleum cracking , serves as one of the most cost-effective monomers for large-scale ROMP due to its low cost . The high degree of regularity in the polymers produced through ROMP makes them suitable for high-performance applications , such as advanced materials in engineering and technology .
Strategic alliances & market demand
XiMo ’ s strategic partner Soneas , a Hungarian CDMO that is part of the Uquifa Group , has developed
XiMoPac-Mo catalyst C₂H₄ evolution
Purity (%)
Enantiomeric ratio ( R : S )
XiMoPac-Mo001 > 99 65 96 50 : 50 XiMoPac-Mo006 > 99 77 99 96 : 4 XiMoPac-Mo003 > 99 73 99 4 : 96
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