Cobalt Complex Catalyst for Selective Hydrogenation and Tau Aggregation Inhibition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current catalytic hydrogenation methods for unsaturated compounds face challenges in achieving selective hydrogenation of alkenes or alkynes under mild conditions without using bases or additives, and there is a need for effective inhibitors of Tau aggregation in Alzheimer's disease.

Innovation Solution

Development of a cobalt complex compound for selective hydrogenation of alkenes or alkynes at ambient temperature and neutral conditions without phosphine or additives, and its use in a pharmaceutical composition to inhibit Tau aggregation in Alzheimer's disease.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If base-free catalytic hydrogenation is used, then functional group compatibility is improved, but catalytic activity and selectivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional group compatibilityVSAvoidcatalytic activity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the catalyst system by using cobalt complexes with specific N-donor ligands (pyridine, imidazole, triazole, or their combinations) instead of traditional base-promoted systems. This parameter change enables the catalyst to function effectively without bases, maintaining high catalytic activity while achieving broad functional group compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite catalyst systems formed by combining cobalt salts with multiple types of N-donor ligands. These composite cobalt complex compounds create a synergistic effect where the ligand combination enhances both catalytic activity and functional group tolerance, resolving the contradiction between productivity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If mild conditions are used for semi-hydrogenation, then selectivity is improved, but reaction rate deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveselectivityVSAvoidreaction rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes reaction parameters including temperature (room temperature to 60°C), pressure (1-50 bar H2), and catalyst loading (0.1-10 mol%) to achieve high selectivity for semi-hydrogenation. The specific ligand-to-cobalt ratio and solvent selection further tune these parameters to maintain fast reaction rates under mild conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces harsh mechanical conditions (high temperature, high pressure, strong bases) with a finely tuned cobalt complex catalyst system that operates under mild conditions. The catalytic mechanism substitution enables selective semi-hydrogenation without requiring extreme conditions, thus maintaining both selectivity and reaction rate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If phosphine-free catalysts are used, then functional group compatibility is improved, but catalytic performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional group compatibilityVSAvoidcatalytic performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes phosphine ligands with N-donor ligands (pyridine, imidazole, triazole), fundamentally changing the ligand class parameter. This substitution maintains catalytic performance through optimized ligand design and cobalt complex formation while achieving superior functional group compatibility due to the softer coordination chemistry of N-donors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces local quality variations in the ligand structure through different N-donor atoms and their arrangements. This local structural optimization allows the catalyst to maintain high performance for specific transformations while being universally compatible with diverse functional groups, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If neutral conditions without additives are used, then functional group compatibility is improved, but reaction efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional group compatibilityVSAvoidreaction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cobalt complex catalyst is designed to be self-sufficient, performing both catalysis and substrate activation without external additives. The N-donor ligands on the cobalt center provide the necessary electronic and steric properties to facilitate hydrogenation under neutral conditions, eliminating the need for base additives while maintaining high reaction efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The cobalt complex catalyst enables efficient selective hydrogenation and effectively inhibits Tau aggregation, providing a novel approach for both chemical synthesis and therapeutic applications.

Implementation Method 1

a process for the selective hydrogenation of alkenes or alkynes in the presence of the cobalt complex compound as catalyst

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

the cobalt complex compound for use in a method for inhibition of Tau Aggregation in an Alzheimer's disease

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectProtein aggregation inhibition:

Data Source

PatentEP3634950B1Cobalt complexes, process for preparation and use thereof
Publication Date: 2022.03.09 COUNCIL OF SCI & IND RES
  • EP3634950B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~2D
  • EP3634950B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~4
  • EP3634950B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7C

AI summary

The present invention discloses a cobalt compound of formula (I), a process for the preparation and use thereof. The present invention further relates to a pharmaceutical composition and a method inhibition of Tau Aggregation in a subject in need thereof using compound of formula (I).