Synthesis
Researchers
- Dr Attfield, Martin
- Dr Berrisford, David
- Dr Brisdon, Alan
- Prof Clayden, Jonathan
- Dr Coe, Benjamin
- Dr Gardiner, John
- Dr Ingleson, Michael
- Dr Layfield, Richard
- Dr Mair, Frank
- Prof Mcinnes, Eric
- Prof Micklefield, Jason
- Dr Natrajan, Louise
- Prof O'brien, Paul
- Prof Procter, David
- Dr Quayle, Peter
- Dr Regan, Andrew
- Prof Thomas, Jim
- Prof Turner, Michael
- Prof Turner, Prof Nicholas
- Dr Wallace, Timothy
- Dr Webb, Simon
- Dr Whitehead, Roger
- Dr Whiteley, Mark W
- Prof Winpenny, Richard
Research Theme Leader: Professor Jonathan Clayden
Deputy Research Theme Leader: Dr. Richard Layfield
Synthesis involves the atom-by-atom construction and elaboration of molecules using reagents as precision building tools. The power of synthesis allows us to design and realise fantastic molecular architectures that possess unprecedented biological and physical properties. In the School of Chemistry, synthesis is not only a fundamental activity in its own right but it also supports activities in research areas ranging from chemical biology to nanoscience by providing access to the molecules and materials that academic and industrial scientists need for their studies. Outstanding publications, substantial grant income, and a strong demand for our postgraduates and postdoctoral workers show that synthesis in Manchester is thriving.
The School is home to teams that lead the world in the development of organic synthetic tools (reactions of organolithiums, exploitation of axial chirality, remote
stereocontrol, harnessing radical intermediates, fluorous synthesis, predisposed synthesis and physical organic chemistry). Groups in the School also lead developments in synthetic methods through work at the interface with biology in the Centre of Excellence for Biocatalysis Biotransformation and Biocatalytic Manufacture (CoEBio3). (synthetic glycoproteins, biocatalysis and biosynthetic engineering). While some groups use organic synthesis to target molecular architectures that intervene in biological processes (biologically active natural products, biological probes and synthetic ion channels), other teams in the Organic Materials Innovation Centre (OMIC), target structures because of their unique physical properities (organic materials, sensors and functional polymeric materials).
The School is also home to high profile studies on prebiotic chemistry in which synthesis facilitates studies on the evolution of nucleic acids and genetically-coded proteins. Teams also work at the forefront of inorganic synthesis to develop tools (coordination chemistry, solvothermal synthesis, the use of super-electrophiles and fluorine chemistry) to access molecules with desirable physical properties (polynuclear complexes, molecular magnets, materials with novel electronic properties, polymerization catalysts, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), silicas, chalcogenide thin films and quantum dots, nanoparticles and wires). The unique facilities available in the Centre for Radiochemistry Research (CRR) also allow groups to develop new synthetic strategies involving lanthanide and actinide elements for use by the nuclear industry.
As we introduce and hone powerful new strategies for synthesis, access to more and more complex target molecular structures and materials will be possible. With innovative design, exquisitely selective building tools and a virtually infinite array of building blocks to work with, our imagination will be the only limit. This exciting potential ensures that synthesis will continue to be one of the most important disciplines for the advancement of science.
Publication highlights:
- “Synthesis of activated pyrimidine ribonucleotides in prebiotically plausible conditions” Powner, M. W.; Gerland, B.; Sutherland, J. D. Nature 2009, 459, 239.
- “N to C Aryl Migration in Lithiated Carbamates: !-Arylation of Benzylic
Alcohols” Clayden, J.; Farnaby, W.; Grainger, D. M.; Hennecke, U.; Mancinelli, M.;
Tetlow, D. J.; Hillier, I. H.; Vincent. M. A. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2009, 131, 3410. - "Studies on the mechanism, selectivity and synthetic utility of lactone reduction using SmI2 and H2O" Parmar, D.; Duffy, L. A.; Sadasivam, D. V.; Matsubara, H.; Bradley, P. A.; Flowers II, R. A.; Procter, D. J. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2009, 131, 15467.
- “Hybrid organic-inorganic rotaxanes and molecular shuttles” C.- F. Lee, D. A. Leigh, R. G. Pritchard, D. Schultz, S. J. Teat, G. A. Timco and R. E. P. Winpenny, Nature 2009, 458, 314-318.
- “Engineering Coupling Between Molecular Spin Qubits By Coordination Chemistry”, G. A. Timco, S. Carretta, F. Troiani, F. Tuna, R. J. Pritchard, E. J. L. McInnes, A. Ghirri, A. Candini, P. Santini, G. Amoretti, M. Affronte and R. E. P. Winpenny,Nature Nanotechnology 2009, 4, 173-178.