Dr. Anwaar bint Said Al Maqbali, an assistant professor at Sultan Qaboos University, has led a notable research project advancing molecular synthesis techniques with applications in drug development. Her study, entitled “Stereoselective Asymmetric Syntheses of Molecules with a 4,5-Dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]-Triazoline Core Possessing an Acetylated Carbohydrate Appendage: Crystal Structure, Spectroscopy, and Pharmacology,” was recognized among the top entries at the 12th National Research Award. The competition, organized by the Research and Innovation Authority, acknowledged her work in the Culture, Social and Basic Sciences category under the Young Researcher classification.

The research centers on designing and synthesizing a new class of chiral triazoline compounds via the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition method. These chemically engineered molecules feature carbohydrate-derived elements aimed at enhancing their biological activity. Dr. Al Maqbali’s team employed high-resolution mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques to rigorously confirm the chemical structures and to gain insights into the molecules’ three-dimensional arrangements and intermolecular forces.

Beyond structural analysis, the research explored the pharmacological properties of the synthesized compounds. Testing against a panel of 60 cancer cell lines revealed significant biological activity, with several derivatives demonstrating pronounced effectiveness against leukemia cells. In addition, the compounds exhibited promising anti-fungal and anti-bacterial effects, suggesting potential as broad-spectrum therapeutic agents.

This work contributes to the growing field of stereoselective asymmetric synthesis, which aims to create molecules with specific three-dimensional shapes crucial for drug efficacy and safety. By integrating carbohydrate components into the triazoline framework, Dr. Al Maqbali’s research potentially opens new pathways for the development of novel pharmaceuticals targeting cancer and infectious diseases.