Research interests in my laboratory lie in the general area of organic synthesis with a focus on development of new synthetic strategies and methods and their application to total synthesis. Central to this type of research is the ability to prepare, purify, and characterize complex organic molecules. As such, research students are exposed to a broad range of laboratory and spectroscopic techniques and will develop a solid understanding of conceptual, mechanistic, and practical aspects of organic chemistry.

A major objective of my research program is the total synthesis of natural products, with a particular emphasis on molecules displaying interesting biological activities, containing challenging structural features, and/or occurring in low natural abundance. Synthetic targets currently under investigation in our research group include: the recently discovered cytotoxin rollicosin, the all-cis tetrahydrofuran kumausyne, the antifungal agent canadensolide, the trans-fused dioxahyrindane octosyl acid A, and the tricyclic core of the potent insecticide stemofoline.

 

 

As with any synthetic endeavor, the goal of these studies is not only to assemble the target molecule, but also to do so in an efficient and aesthetically pleasing manner. Considering the complexity of many natural products, efforts to meet these criteria often dictate the invention of new reactions or the development of useful aspects of known ones. Thus, a significant emphasis will be placed on the discovery and development of new synthetic methods and strategies as means for achieving synthetic goals with the aim of finding simple solutions to complex synthetic problems. As its application in a complex chemical environment stands as the true test of a synthetic method, this area of study will complement our research on natural product total synthesis.