Synthetic chemistry within the School covers methodology, biological and medicinal target molecule synthesis, synthesis of functional materials, organometallics and polymerisation catalysts. There are strong collaborations with members of the other two Chemistry themes within the School.

Research is currently led by the following members of Faculty:

Dr Sean Bew

  • N-Chloroamines for nitrogen activation and N-alkylaziridine synthesis
  • Expedient synthesis of N-alkylaziridines using (S)-N-(α-methylbenzyl)hydroxylamines
  • Organocatalytic imine activation for N-alkylaziridine synthesis
  • Synthesis of a new class of upper-rim appended bifunctional calix[4]arenes
  • α-Amino acids as tethers for diastereoselective HIMDA reactions
  • Tröger base as a peptidemimetic
  • Chemical Genetics

Prof Manfred Bochmann

  • organometallic and coordination chemistry directed towards homogeneous catalysis;
  • polymerisation catalysis with well-defined soluble catalysts; solution structures;
  • chemistry of non-coordinating anions
  • precursors for semiconductor quantum dots

Prof Andrew N. Cammidge 

  • Organic Synthesis
  • Molecular materials and liquid crystals
  • Cross-coupling catalysis

Prof Michael J. Cook

  • Phthalocyanines
  • Materials chemistry
  • Thin films

Dr Simon J. Lancaster 

  • Metal-organics in materials and catalysis
  • Supramolecular organometallic chemistry
  • Small molecule activation
  • Novel multiple bonds

Dr Maria Paz Muñoz Herranz

  • New Transition Metal-Catalysed Reactions of allenes.
  • Total Synthesis and Byosynthesis of allenic natural products with potential biological activity.
  • Studies on the stereochemistry of addition on the triflic acid-promoted lactonisation of allyl malonates.

Prof Sarah O'Connor

  • Metabolic Pathway Elucidation in Medicinal Plants
  • Synthetic Biology with Metabolic Pathways
  • Enzyme Biochemistry, Mechanism and Evolution

Dr G. Richard Stephenson

  • Metal-mediated organic synthesis
  • Helicene-based chiral pi systems for nonlinear optics
  • Carbonylmetal complexes as bioprobes

Prof Phil Page

  • Total synthesis of natural products
  • Asymmetric synthesis and catalysis
  • Organocatalysis

Dr Chris Richards

  • Stereoselective organometallic chemistry
  • Asymmetric catalysis
  • Synthesis of bioactive compounds

Dr Gregory G. Wildgoose

  • Organometallic synthesis & electrochemistry
  • Electrocatalysis
  • Energy & Materials
  • Electrochemical Nanoscience & Nanomaterials
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Sensors and Catalysts