Bela Torok, PhD

University Of Massachusetts - Boston

Academic Titles

Professor, Chemistry, University Of Massachusetts - Boston

Research Program Affiliation

Associate Member, Developmental Therapeutics

Research Abstract

Development of synthetic methods for biologically active compounds. The first major focus area is the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds such as: benzo[N,N]-heterocycles (benzodiazepines, benzimidazoles, quinoxalines, quinoxalinones), phthalazinones, iso-benzofuranones. We have developed one step domino syntheses for the preparation of pyrazolines, pyrazoles, Hantzsch esters, and pyridines. The second major area is the synthesis of organofluorine compounds. This topic includes a broad variety of molecules such as: trifluoromethyl-benzimidazoles, trifluoromethyl-Schiff-bases, trifluoromethyl-alpha-hydroxy-gamma-ketoesters, unnatural trifluormethyl-amino acids, 3,3,3-trifluoropropenes, alpha-fluoro-beta-trifluoromethyl-alpha, beta-unsaturated esters and indolyl-hydroxyl-trifluoromethyl-propionic acid esters. Many in these groups of compounds have been earlier identified as potent anticancer agents.