# Development of Immobilized Chiral Bronsted Acids and Their Exploration in Asymmetric Catalysis

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Regents of the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor (MI) · $350,000

## Abstract

With the support of the Chemical Catalysis Program in the Division of Chemistry, Professor Pavel Nagorny of the University of Michigan is developing new recyclable catalysts that promote chemical reactions resulting in enantiomerically enriched (chiral) products. Access to molecules in their enantioenriched form is critically important for drug discovery, as it affects key molecular characteristics such as therapeutic potency, thereby underscoring the need for catalysts that can selectively form these molecules. The Nagorny research group has expertise in designing and using polymers that embed chiral acid catalysts. Professor Nagorny and his students will investigate how these catalysts work and will optimize them for the synthesis of molecular fragments commonly found in pharmaceuticals. It will generate new knowledge about organic molecule reactivity that advances the fields of catalysis, polymer chemistry, and asymmetric synthesis. The resulting techniques and catalysts will enable chemists to shorten synthetic sequences and develop chemical processes that are safer and more sustainable, thereby saving time, money, and natural resources. These studies will also be used to train graduate and undergraduate students who plan to pursue careers in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, biomolecular science, and medicine. Professor Nagorny and his students will also participate in various training and outreach efforts focused on attracting K–12 students to STEM fields.



## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2453130
- **Awardee organization:** Regents of the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor (MI)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** GNJ7BBP73WE9
- **PI:** Pavel Nagorny
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** Advanced Manufacturing
- **Estimated total:** $350,000
- **Funds obligated:** $350,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2027

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2453130

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2453130, Development of Immobilized Chiral Bronsted Acids and Their Exploration in Asymmetric Catalysis. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2453130. Licensed CC0.

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