Influenza A causes thousands of deaths each year. Due to mutations of the M2 proton channel many medications have become obsolete. Blocking the M2 channel prevents virus replication and prevents the spread of Influenza A. Previous research has shown that Cu(II) has been effective in blocking M2 proton channels. Through my REU experience, I built upon this research and synthesized a new copper compound to combat the Influenza A virus. The compound was made up of one Cu atom attached to an adamantane molecule, a previously effective influenza medication. I will discuss the multistep synthesis of the compound as well as problems that occured. Butyl N-(2-aminoethyl) glycinate (B-AEG) was synthesized from N-(2-aminoethyl) glycine (AEG) and 1-butanol using HCl as a catalyst. 1-adamantane methanol was then oxidized via swern oxidation resulting in an adamantane aldehyde. The resulting aldehyde was then reacted with B-AEG in a reduction amination, however the resulting amine was unstable and rapidly decomposed. I found that in order to proceed to the next step, the product had to remain in a solution of dichloromethane. The compound was then hydrolyzed with concentrated HCl and CuCl<sub>2</sub> was added, resulting in the copper adamantane compound.

Copper compounds to prevent the spread of influenza A virus

ACS Fall 2020 Virtual Meeting

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