A research team from POSTECH has developed a biodegradable polymer-based delivery system that efficiently transports mRNA.

A research team has developed a biodegradable polymer-based delivery system that efficiently transports mRNA.

using amino-acids as starting material, often proceeds under rather drastic conditions 1. Phthaloyl amino-acid esters, however, can be prepared under less drastic conditions 2–4.

At its heart is a specially crafted molecule called the monoprotected amino neutral amide ligand, which helps palladium—a common catalyst—bind to ketones and esters more effectively.