Expertise
Our research interest primarily lies in developing new methodology for the organic synthesis of biologically active molecules. Usually these complex molecules are not only important in medicinal chemistry as therapeutic agents, but are also interesting from a structural point of view. We also seek to understand the mechanism of these important new reactions. A typical researcher in my group can expect to gain experience in a great variety of organic chemistry laboratory techniques as well as gain valuable experience in the common spectroscopic methods available to the organic chemist (NMR, IR, GC/MS, HPLC, cyclic voltammetry, etc...).
We are investigating polymer supported vanadium complexes as potential catalysts for the epoxidation of organic substrates. We are currently exploring the scope of this reaction and working on optimizing the conditions of the reaction as well.
We are conducting mechanistic investigations into the use of catalytic nickel (II) salen in electroreductive cyclization reactions.
We are exploring a novel route towards eight-membered rings, such as those found in the anti-tumor compound paclitaxel.
Specialty & Interests: Organic