Multicomponent Reactions, Union of MCRs and Beyond

Chem Rec. 2015 Oct;15(5):981-96. doi: 10.1002/tcr.201500201. Epub 2015 Sep 11.

Abstract

Multicomponent reactions (MCRs), which are located between one- and two-component and polymerization reactions, provide a number of valuable conceptual and synthetic advantages over stepwise sequential approaches towards complex and valuable molecules. To address current limitations in the number of MCRs and the resulting scaffolds, the concept of union of MCRs was introduced two decades ago by Dömling and Ugi and is rapidly advancing, as is apparent by several recently published works. MCR technology is now widely recognized for its impact on drug discovery projects and is strongly endorsed by industry in addition to academia. Clearly, novel scaffolds accessible in few steps including MCRs will further enhance the field of applications. Additionally, broad expansion of MCR applications in fields such as imaging, materials science, medical devices, agriculture, or futuristic applications in stem cell therapy and theragnostics or solar energy and superconductivity are predicted.

Keywords: drug discovery; isocyanides; medicinal chemistry; molecular diversity; multicomponent reactions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Drug Design
  • Humans
  • Molecular Structure
  • Organic Chemicals / chemical synthesis*
  • Organic Chemicals / chemistry
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations / chemical synthesis*
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations / chemistry
  • Polymerization

Substances

  • Organic Chemicals
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations