Ph.D. Stanford University, 2005
Phone: 718-951-5000 x3307
Grant Support: NIH SCORE
Nature of Research
What we do:
We are a synthetic organic research group. Presently, our research interests lie primarily in the field of organocatalysis. Instead of transition metal-based catalysts, in organocatalysis organic molecules are used as catalysts for organic reactions. Organocatalysts can be less expensive, easier to use, “greener” alternatives to oft-used transition metal-based catalysts. Our current research goals are to develop new organocatalysts and new organocatalytic reactions, and to employ both in the synthesis of small, bioactive molecules.
Rotation Projects
What you will do during a rotation in our labs:
You will learn the ins and outs of organic synthesis. You will practice: 1) setting up organic reactions under inert conditions, 2) monitoring your reaction progress using TLC (thin layer chromatography), 3) purifying your reaction mixture using silica gel column chromatography, and 4) analyzing your product using 1H NMR spectroscopy, optical rotation, chiral normal phase HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography), and chiral GC (gas chromatography).
References
Here are two recent review articles that will give you much more information about organocatalysis.
- Dondoni, A.; Massi, A. “Asymmetric Organocatlysis: From Infancy to Adolescence.” Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2008, 47, 4638-4660.
- Doyle, A.G.; Jacobsen, E.N. “Small-Molecule H-Bond Donors in Asymmetric Catalysis.” Chem. Rev., 2007, 107, 5713-5743.