Edith-Michelle Aboa | 2026 I.S. Symposium
Name: Edith-Michelle Aboa
Title: Lewis Acid Promoted Synthesis of 7-Substituted Quinolinones: Reaction Screening and Optimization
Major: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
²Ñ¾±²Ô´Ç°ù:ÌýStatistical & Data Sciences
Advisor: Sara Martin
Quinolinones are a class of molecules found in many biologically active compounds, including those with potential anti-cancer properties. Because of this, developing efficient and flexible methods to synthesize these molecules is an important goal in chemistry. However, current approaches to produce selectively modified quinolinones, specifically those with substitution at the 7-position, often rely on harsh conditions, such as strong acids or expensive metal catalysts, which can limit the types of molecules that can be made. My project explores a milder and more accessible alternative using boron trifluoride etherate (BF₃OEt₂), a Lewis acid, to promote a key cyclization step in the synthesis of a 7-substituted quinolinone. By systematically varying reaction conditions such as temperature, solvent, reaction time, and reagent amounts, I evaluated how each factor influences product formation and overall yield. I found that BF₃OEt₂ is capable of successfully promoting the desired reaction under milder conditions, with the solvent 1,4-dioxane producing the most promising results. Although yields remain modest, these findings suggest that this approach has potential as a more flexible and less harsh method for synthesizing quinolinone derivatives. What excites me most about this work is its potential to expand access to structurally diverse quinolinones, which could support future drug discovery efforts. Moving forward, I would explore additional solvent systems and apply this method to other substrates to improve efficiency and broaden its applicability.
Posted in Symposium 2026 on May 1, 2026.
