"Green" Synthesis of Physiologically Active Natual Products
My research spans the fields of organic chemistry, biology, and medicine, and focuses on the novel synthesis of physiologically active natural products. We are particularly interested in processes that employ environmentally benign (or "green") catalysts, such as clays and antibodies, to effect challenging chemical transformations. Some of the compounds we are working out synthetic schemes for are shown below. Scheme 1 highlights the clay-catalyzed synthesis of a number of heterocyclic systems, including MDP, an insecticide that exhibits anti-juvenile hormone activity in some insects. We are currently investigating a clay-catalyzed hetero-Diels-Alder reaction which we'll apply towards the synthesis of potential HIV-1 protease inhibitors (Scheme 2).
Current and past group members are pictured below...
Summer, 2006:
Massimo "The Wrench" Pacilli, Andy "The Rock" Little, Dominic "The Mouth" Pileggi
Summer, 2005:
The "Clay Team-2005": Zachary Osner, Paul Wucka, Andy Little
Summer, 2004 - Spring, 2005:
The "Clay Team": Dr. D., Paul Wucka, Tom Lyons, Mike Akroush
Spring, 2003 at the ACS meeting in New Orleans:
Dr. D, Kristen McClelland, Debbie Coligado
Summer, 2002:
front row: Kara Morse, Anthony Arena; middle row:
Andrea Toth, Debbie Coligado,
Billy McDermott; back row: Kirsten McClelland, Tom Ribaudo, Chris Luiz,
Dr. D
Summer, 2001 at the ACS meeting in Chicago:
