My research program blends studies of synthetic methods with the total synthesis of natural products and other complex molecules.  The goal of our work is to develop new strategies in synthesis and then apply them to the elaboration of targets where particular structural features present a significant challenge.  Some examples of the synthetic targets presently being studied are shown below.

The synthesis of complex, highly functionalized structures often requires new methodology, and a substantial part of my research is devoted to finding new reactions and improving old ones.  I am particularly interested in devising better ways to secure stereochemistry in densely functionalized structural environments, such as that present in the perimeter of certain macrolides, and for this purpose we are developing new chiral reagents which should facilitate asymmetric synthesis of subunits of these structures.  In addition, we seek novel ways to exploit radical chemistry, photochemistry, and enzymes in the synthesis of specific structural motifs found in natural products.

In designing synthetic routes to complex molecules, the plan often incorporates a key step which plays a pivotal role in establishing the molecular framework.  This central reaction may be one patterned after the presumed biogenesis of the compound, or it may be one intended to test the efficiency of a particular bond construction, ring forming process, skeletal rearrangement, etc.  These exercises in synthesis usually have a specific target in mind, but the conciseness and novelty of the route to our objectives is always considered at least as important as reaching the goal.