Laboratory for the Synthesis of Psychotropic Compounds
Head of the Laboratory: Yervand Garniki Paronikyan, Doctor of Chemical Sciences, Professor
The Psychotropic Compounds Synthesis Laboratory (IFOC Laboratory No. 6) of the Institute of Fine Organic Chemistry (IFOC) at NAS RA STCOPC was established in 1981. From its foundation until his passing in 2015, the laboratory was headed by Azat Solomon Noravyan, Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia, Doctor of Chemical Sciences, Professor.
Noravyan pioneered a new scientific direction in heterocyclic chemistry, introducing the concept of a novel class of tranquilizers. Under his leadership, the laboratory synthesized bicyclic, tricyclic, tetracyclic, and pentacyclic heterocycles based on six-membered saturated heterocycles containing nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen.
Since 2015, the laboratory has been led by Prof. Y. G. Paronikyan, Doctor of Chemical Sciences.
The laboratory has developed synthetic methods for over 150 new heterocyclic compounds, including:
- Thiophenes
- Furans
- Pyroles
- Thiopyrans
- Pyridines
- Thieno(pyrrolo, furo)[2,3-d]pyrimidines
- Pyrido[2,3-d]thieno(furo)[3,2-d]pyrimidines
as well as condensed pyrans, thiopyrans, piperidines, cyclohexanes, and cyclopentanes.
The mechanisms of key transformations have been extensively studied, including:
- The Gewald reaction
- Dimroth rearrangement in triazolopyrimidines and triazolopyridines
- General patterns of thiopyran ring cleavage under the influence of various amines
- New rearrangements leading to fused pyridines and novel transformations within the 2,7-naphthyridine series
- Detailed studies on Smiles rearrangement mechanisms
To establish structure-activity relationships, a wide variety of substitutions in different heterocyclic cores have been performed, leading to the discovery of novel biologically active compounds with anticonvulsant, sedative, antitumor, cardiotonic, and antihypoxic properties.
Developed Pharmaceuticals
As a result of extensive research, the laboratory has developed several pharmaceutical agents, including:
- Toflurazine – a cerebral circulation regulator
- Piratidine – a next-generation tranquilizer
- Thymoridine – an antihypoxic agent
- Several additional pharmaceutical compounds for protective applications
International Collaboration and Recognition
Since its foundation, the laboratory has actively collaborated with scientific institutions from Hungary, Russia, Greece, Italy, Georgia, and other countries. The results of these joint studies expand the frontiers of heterocyclic chemistry and open new prospects for drug discovery.
Research findings have been published in high-impact international journals, with numerous patents and intellectual property certificates obtained. Laboratory members have presented their work at conferences and symposia in Russia and beyond, earning awards for best presentations and medals for contributions to heterocyclic chemistry.
Funding and Awards
The laboratory has received grants from organizations such as:
- ISTC (International Science and Technology Center)
- ANSEF (Armenian National Science and Education Fund)
- EIF (Enterprise Incubator Foundation)
- Science Committee of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports of Armenia
- Russian Foundation for Basic Research (RFBR)
In 2018, S. N. Sirakanyan and A. A. Hovakimyan were awarded the Presidential Prize of Armenia for a series of scientific publications.
Doctoral and Postgraduate Research
To date, 18 PhD dissertations and 3 doctoral theses have been defended within the laboratory. Laboratory members are highly qualified scientists, many of whom continue their work at STCOPC and leading research institutions abroad.
Research Focus
The laboratory conducts research on psychotropic drug development, including:
- Development of synthetic methods for over 100 novel heterocyclic systems containing nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen
- Discovery of new rearrangements in heterocyclic chemistry
- Investigation of structure-activity relationships in synthesized compounds
- Creation of potential new pharmaceutical agents
