New cobalt-based method could support more sustainable drug development

Researchers have developed a new way to make targeted changes to drug molecules using more abundant metals and milder reaction conditions. The approach could contribute to more resource-efficient chemical processes used in drug discovery and development.

Researchers from Georg-August University Göttingen and AstraZeneca have developed a new method that makes it easier to modify complex molecules used in drug research. The study, published in ACS Catalysis, shows how cobalt, a more abundant metal, can be used instead of rare metals commonly used in chemical synthesis. The method also works under mild conditions and uses zinc-based reagents with lower toxicity. Together, these features could support the development of more sustainable chemical processes.

"This research shows how more abundant metals and milder reaction conditions can be used in advanced chemical synthesis. Approaches like this can contribute to the development of more sustainable chemical processes," says Magnus Johansson, corresponding-author of the study and participant in the Mistra SafeChem programme.

Making it easier to modify complex molecules

When researchers develop new medicines, they often need to make small changes to a molecule and evaluate how those changes affect its properties. The new method provides an efficient way to introduce such changes, even in structurally complex molecules. The researchers successfully applied the method to several complex drug molecules, demonstrating that the approach can be used for late-stage modification of pharmaceutical compounds. The study also showed that the method works with a broad range of chemical building blocks and functional groups. By using a catalyst based on cobalt, a more abundant metal, and enabling efficient reactions under mild conditions, the method highlights opportunities to reduce reliance on some of the less abundant metals that are often used in similar reactions.

"Developing new methods that rely on more abundant materials is an important part of the transition towards safer and more sustainable chemistry. Research like this helps expand the range of tools available for future innovation," says Magnus Johansson.

The study was supported by Mistra SafeChem through Magnus Johansson's participation in the programme.

About the study

Title: Versatile Cobalt(III)-Catalyzed Chemoselective C−H Alkylation with Polyfunctional Alkylzinc Reagents
Published in: ACS Catalysis (2026)
Authors: Tsuyoshi Oyama, Stig D. Friis, Elisa Y. Lai, Magnus J. Johansson and Lutz Ackermann
Link to the study External link, opens in new window.