Learning objectives
<br />
The course is aimed at introducing the main classes of naturally occurring organic compounds of pharmaceutical interest. The classification of the natural compounds is mainly based on the biosynthetic paths, with a particular emphasis on the fundamental principles and synthesis methods adopted by Nature.
Prerequisites
<br />
The examination of Botanica Farmaceutica/Chimica delle Sostanze Organiche Naturali must be preceded by the examinations of Biologia Animale/Biologia Vegetale and Chimica Organica.
Course unit content
<br />
The acetate biogenetic path: saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, prostaglandins, tromboxanes, leucotrienes, aromatic polyketides (simple phenols, anthraquinones, C-alkylation reactions, macrolides, polyethers).<br />
The shikimate biogenetic path: aromatic amino acids and simple benzoic acids, cinnamic acids, lignans and lignin, phenylpropanes, C6C3-based benzoic acids, coumarins, flavonoids, isoflavonoids, terpenoid quinones.<br />
The mevalonate biogenetic path: hemiterpenes, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, sesterpenes, triterpenes, tetraterpenes, phytosterols.<br />
Alkaloids: examples of alkaloids from ornithine, lysine, nicotinic acid, tyrosine, tryptophan, anthranilic acid, purine alkaloids.<br />
Amino acids, peptides: brief comments on the structure of proteinogenic amino acids and peptides. Brief comments on some hormones.<br />
Brief comments on the structural motifs of penicillins and cephalosporins.<br />
Bibliography
P. M. Dewick, "Chimica, Biosintesi e Bioattività delle Sostanze Naturali", Piccin Editore, Padova, 2000.
Teaching methods
<br />
Oral colloquium aimed at verifying the knowledge of the student on the various aspects of the course.
