Phoenix Capital sponsors research in synthetic organic chemistry

In chemistry, cycloaddition reactions are sometimes difficult to achieve.  This is because two molecules mixed together often do not react with each other, as they encounter each other too rarely to produce an effective reaction. However, these reactions are fundamental in organic chemistry because they enable complex structures to be assembled quickly. 

One way to get around this lack of reactivity is to physically bring the molecules closer together by connecting them with a bond that can be broken once it has done its job. This approach is called ‘tethering’. By applying this strategy, the two molecules are maintained in close proximity so that they have no choice but to react together. 

In the context of this project, the tethering strategy is applied to little-studied cycloaddition precursors: oxidopyridiniums. The interest of these compounds is that they allow rapid and selective access to nitrogen-containing polycyclic products, but their use without tethering is generally ineffective.

In general, nitrogen-containing polycyclic molecules are organic compounds in which nitrogen is present within the cyclic structure (heterocycles) or as a substituent. These molecules are ubiquitous in medicinal chemistry, biochemistry and agrochemistry. They play a key and fundamental structural role in biology, pharmacology and organic chemistry.

More specifically, in the context of this project, among the families of molecules that can be obtained in this way are, for example, tropanes, a family of bicyclic alkaloids obtained from natural sources, some of which (or their derivatives) are used as medicines. The well-known over-the-counter medication Buscopan belongs to this family.

If we want to go further, this is where the second objective of this project comes into play: applying the Beckmann rearrangement to the products obtained by cycloaddition. This allows a second nitrogen atom to be introduced into the structures and opens up prospects for the synthesis of phlegmadines, a group of natural products that have never been prepared by organic synthesis, even though their described biological properties are promising. More recently, in the field of oncology research, KRAS inhibitors containing dinitrogenated bicylic structures have been described.

Taking a step back, the aim is to make chemical synthesis, and therefore the production of molecules in large quantities, more sustainable: target products are prepared more quickly and efficiently. This speeds up research while reducing the impact on the environment. The fewer steps involved in manufacturing a product, the less water, solvents, reagents and time are used: this means less energy consumption, less waste and lower costs, while also speeding up the process! 

Lionel-Marie Van Geesbergen had already successfully investigated these reactions accelerated by stapling with oxygenated molecules during his master's thesis in chemistry at UNamur in the same laboratory. After only a month and a half of research, the doctoral student has already demonstrated the feasibility of his method with nitrogen molecules.  Now that the approach has been validated, it can be developed to determine its scope and limitations.

As a driver of innovation and development in Europe and in the US, Phoenix Capital develops numerous synergies with universities in Italy and internationally, promoting excellence in education. 

By supporting this research project, Phoenix Capital encourages scientific research and cutting-edge technologies developed by UNamur in the field of synthetic organic chemistry.

It is in universities that ideas are born that can improve people's lives, make supply chains more competitive, and accelerate the transition to sustainable production models. At the heart of this vision are young talents who cultivate a passion for science: researchers who, with curiosity and rigor, transform today's questions into tomorrow's solutions. Building bridges between universities and businesses means giving them tools, time, and trust. This is how we intend to contribute to a stronger, more inclusive, and more responsible innovation ecosystem.

Giovanna Saraconi - CEO Phoenix Group

After three years of postdoctoral research in flow chemistry and natural product synthesis at the University of Cambridge with Prof. Steven Ley, he joined the University of Namur, where he took over the Organic Synthesis Chemistry (COS) laboratory to develop projects in natural product synthesis, new reaction development and medicinal chemistry, while holding various positions within the Chemistry Department and working to constantly improve the teaching of organic chemistry at UNamur.

As part of his internship, he then collaborated with Syensqo on a project to valorise by-products from the polymer industry in the laboratory of Prof. Gwilherm Evano at the Free University of Brussels. These experiences enabled him to obtain his master's degree in June 2024. After graduating, he participated in the supervision and training of undergraduate students in pharmacy and biomedical sciences in chemistry, both during exercise sessions and practical work. In January 2026, he chose to return to Prof. Lanners' team to begin a doctoral thesis and continue the research he had started during his dissertation, focusing on the synthesis of complex nitrogenous molecules with high pharmaceutical potential.