Project Type

Poster

Publication Date

Spring 4-25-2025

Department or Program

Chemistry

College

College of Arts & Sciences

Faculty Mentor #1

E. Davis Oldham Ph.D.

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health challenge, with increasing drug resistance pressing for the development of novel treatments. KasA, a key enzyme in mycobacterial fatty acid biosynthesis, is a promising drug target for TB treatment. This research focuses on the design and synthesis of potential KasA inhibitors, specifically optimizing reaction conditions to efficiently produce 1-methyl-6-aminoindazole. This molecule is an intermediate in the synthesis of drugs targeting TB. Characterization of synthesized compounds is performed using NMR, mass spectrometry, and gas chromatography to confirm structure and purity. The first step involved optimizing the solvent and base for the methylation of nitroindazole. We found that the most favorable for this reaction was acetone and cesium carbonate (Cs2CO3). In the second step, we adjusted the reagent used to create 1-methyl-6-aminoindazole, switching it from iron (Fe) to ammonium formate (NH4HCO2). By improving yield, selectivity, and scalability of key intermediates, we will be able to make more unique molecules to test for the treatment of TB.

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