SummaryGlycogen phosporylase (GP) is a promising target for the control of glycaemia. The design of inhibitors binding at the catalytic site has been accomplished through various families of glucose-based derivatives such as oxadiazoles. Further elaboration of the oxadiazole aromatic aglycon moiety is now reported with 3-glucosyl-5-amino-1,2,4-oxadiazoles synthesized by condensation of a C-glucosyl amidoxime with N,N’-dialkylcarbodiimides or Vilsmeier salts. The 5-amino group introduced on the oxadiazole scaffold was expected to provide better inhibition of GP through potential additional interactions with the enzyme’s catalytic site; however, no inhibition was observed at 625 µM.
Oxidative coupling of alcohols using methanol and ethanol, which can both be made renewable, is an attractive route to produce acrolein (propenaldehyde) in a single-step process. Currently acrolein is produced by direct oxidation of fossil propylene, and catalytic double dehydration of glycerol has been also investigated up to pilot scale. Although glycerol is an attractive feedstock, it suffers of several drawbacks. Addressing the limitations of both routes, the oxidative coupling of alcohols combines an exothermic oxidation and cross-aldolization. The best performing catalysts so far combine redox and acid/base sites. Reviewing the academic and patent literature, the present paper also addresses the economic analysis, to highlight the potential of this reaction at a yield from 70%, and at two different plant scales. The analysis has been made to guide further research, with the remaining technical problems to solve. Improved selectivity contributing to reduce the amount of equipment and the investment cost should be the prime target.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.