Dr. Aitor Maestro | Asymmetric Catalysis | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Aitor Maestro | Asymmetric Catalysis | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Fellow | University of the Basque Country | Spain

Dr. Aitor Maestro is a synthetic organic chemist specializing in asymmetric catalysis, organocatalyst development, and continuous-flow chemistry for the synthesis of pharmaceutically active molecules. His research bridges the interface between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, focusing on enantioselective transformations, recyclable chiral catalysts, and the integration of flow technologies to enhance reaction efficiency, sustainability, and scalability. He has made notable contributions to the fields of asymmetric organocatalysis, catalyst immobilization, and sustainable synthesis, with collaborations involving leading European institutions and industrial partners. Dr. Maestro’s scientific output demonstrates a strong combination of innovation, productivity, and leadership, with 21 publications, over 322 citations (Scopus), and an h-index of 11, while Google Scholar reports 383 citations and an h-index of 11 with 12 i10-index papers. His studies have provided new insights into enantioselective reactions and the synthesis of chiral intermediates relevant to drugs such as atomoxetine, duloxetine, and ezetimibe. A strong advocate for reproducible and green chemistry, he is also engaged in academic supervision, conference organization, and peer reviewing for top journals such as Organic Letters, Advanced Synthesis & Catalysis, and The Journal of Organic Chemistry. His work contributes significantly to advancing asymmetric synthesis toward more efficient and sustainable chemical processes, combining innovation, collaboration, and mentorship.

Profiles : Google Scholar | Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications : 

  • Maestro, A., Martinez de Marigorta, E., Palacios, F., & Vicario, J. (2019). Enantioselective aza-Reformatsky reaction with ketimines. Organic Letters, 21(23), 9473–9477.

  • Maestro, A., Martinez de Marigorta, E., Palacios, F., & Vicario, J. (2019). Enantioselective α-aminophosphonate functionalization of indole ring through an organocatalyzed Friedel–Crafts reaction. The Journal of Organic Chemistry, 84(2), 1094–1102.

  • del Corte, X., Maestro, A., Vicario, J., Martinez de Marigorta, E., & Palacios, F. (2018). Brønsted acid catalyzed asymmetric three-component reaction of amines, aldehydes and pyruvate derivatives: Synthesis of γ-lactam derivatives. Organic Letters, 20(2), 317–320.

  • Maestro, A., Martin-Encinas, E., Alonso, C., Martinez de Marigorta, E., Rubiales, G., Vicario, J., & Palacios, F. (2018). Synthesis of novel antiproliferative hybrid bis-(3-indolyl)methane phosphonate derivatives. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 158, 874–883.

  • Maestro, A., Martinez de Marigorta, E., Palacios, F., & Vicario, J. (2020). α-Iminophosphonates: Useful intermediates for enantioselective synthesis of α-aminophosphonates. Asian Journal of Organic Chemistry, 9(4), 538–548.*