About Us
🚀 Our Mission and Vision
Institutional Background
Our research group operates at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Faculty of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Organic Chemistry and Technology. Our goal is the preparation of biologically active compounds using modern synthetic methods, the development of new synthetic strategies and the continuous renewal of the chemical toolkit.
Research Focus
Our research centres on multicomponent reactions, total syntheses, microwave technique and flow chemistry, the development of 3D-printed reactors, organometallic chemistry, cyclodextrin chemistry, as well as stereochemistry and resolutions. These areas are organically interconnected and together enable us to provide modern, sustainable answers to complex synthetic challenges.
Collaborations
Our research group maintains an extensive network of national and international collaborations. Domestically we have strong ties with research groups of the HUN-REN research institute, Semmelweis University, ELTE, and leading pharmaceutical partners such as Egis Pharmaceuticals Plc., Richter Gedeon Plc., Servier Research Institute Ltd. and ThalesNano Inc. Internationally, we actively participate in the Horizon Europe programme, collaborating with European universities, research groups and industrial partners.
🔬 Research Areas
Our research group works across interconnected research areas. The combination of modern synthetic chemistry, process engineering and cutting-edge analytics enables us to tackle ever new, complex challenges through interdisciplinary research.
Multicomponent Reactions
Design and implementation of atom-efficient syntheses employing multiple reagents simultaneously. Effective construction of complex molecular architectures in a single step with broad substrate tolerance. Our focus is on the synthesis of nitrogen- and oxygen-heterocyclic compounds and molecules bearing phosphorus moieties.
Total Syntheses
Complete synthesis of potentially biologically active inhibitor candidates using retrosynthetic planning. Synthesis and structure–activity studies of potential TRADD–TRAF2 and cFLIP inhibitors.
Microwave Technique
Application of microwave reactors in organic synthesis: shorter reaction times, improved selectivity and energy efficiency. Comparative studies of conventional and microwave conditions.
Flow Chemistry
Application of continuous flow chemistry reactor systems: syringe pumps, continuous tubular reactors and the H-Cube Pro continuous hydrogenation reactor allow us to optimise the scale-up of syntheses. Photochemical flow reactions are also a key focus of our research.
3D-Printed Reactors
Development of custom-designed flow chemistry reactors from chemically resistant polymers and composites using bespoke 3D printing technology. Continuous optimisation of our own-design, unique-geometry microreactors enables precise tuning of reaction conditions and more efficient syntheses.
Organometallic Chemistry
Application of organometallic reagents — primarily butyllithium (BuLi) — in sensitive synthetic transformations. Design and realisation of organolithium reactions at low temperatures with chiral and achiral substrates.
Cyclodextrin Chemistry
Synthetic transformation and chemical modification of cyclodextrins to obtain CD derivatives with unique properties. Development of the flow-chemical synthesis of CD starting materials for more efficient and more scalable production. Formulation studies with biologically active small molecules and APIs: inclusion complex formation, solubility enhancement and bioavailability improvement.
Stereochemistry & Resolutions
Enantiomer separation by crystallisation and chromatography, enantioselective syntheses, kinetic and thermodynamic control. Structural characterisation and preparation of chiral molecules.
🏗️ Institutional Background & Infrastructure
Location
🏫 Budapest University of Technology and Economics
Faculty of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Organic Chemistry and Technology
👩🔬 Dr. Erika Bálint — Associate Professor, Group Leader
📞 +36 1 463-1111/5886
📍 Budapest, Building F, Staircase 1, Floor 2, Room 1, Budafoki út 8.
Microwave Reactors
Flow Chemistry Reactors
3D Printing & Custom-Designed Reactors
Analytical Equipment
📋 Our Grants
Our research is supported by national and international funding enabling a project portfolio spanning from fundamental research to technological implementation.
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions – Staff Exchange
Within this European researcher mobility programme, our researchers realise joint R&D projects with international partner institutions, strengthening national and European scientific networks.
Fundamental Research Projects
Projects funded by the National Research, Development and Innovation Office covering multicomponent reactions, total syntheses, flow chemistry and stereochemical research.
Strategic Research Infrastructure
Participation in strategically important research areas with access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and deepening academic–industrial collaborations.
Young Researcher Excellence
Within the University Research Scholarship Programme (EKÖP), our young researchers carry out independent research projects, deepening specialist knowledge and strengthening their research careers at BME.
🤝 Our Collaborating Partners
We carry out our research together with industrial and academic partners. Multidisciplinary collaborations ensure that the technologies we develop address real industrial needs.
Industrial Partners
Anthelos Kft.
Bálint Analitika Kft.
CycloLab Ltd.
Egis Pharmaceuticals Plc.
EUROAPI
Richter Gedeon Plc.
Servier Research Institute Ltd.
ThalesNano Inc.