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 HUN-REN research institutes, 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 offer complex solutions from fundamental research to industrial scale-up.
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
Development and application of continuous flow reactor systems up to semi-pilot scale. Syringe pumps, continuous tubular reactors and the H-Cube continuous hydrogenation reactor enable safe handling of hazardous reagents and scale-up. Photochemical flow reactions are also a key focus.
3D-Printed Reactors
Development of custom-designed flow chemistry reactors from chemically resistant polymers using 3D printing. Continuous optimisation of unique-geometry microreactors enables precise tuning of reaction conditions.
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. Flow-chemical synthesis of CD starting materials. 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 and Flow Equipment
3D Printing & Specialised 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 Individual Career Model Scholarship Programme, our young researchers implement individual research projects, deepening specialist knowledge and strengthening independent research careers at BME.
🤝 Our Collaborating Partners
We realise our research results together with industrial and academic partners. Multidisciplinary collaborations ensure that the technologies we develop address real industrial needs.
Industrial Partners
Anthelos Kft.
Bálint Analytical Ltd.
CycloLab Ltd.
Egis Pharmaceuticals Plc.
EUROAPI
Richter Gedeon Plc.
Servier Research Institute Ltd.
ThalesNano Inc.