- Robert Bach
- Joseph Fox
- Catherine Grimes
- John Koh
- Douglass Taber
- Donald Watson
- Mary Watson
- Neal Zondlo
Research Professor, Robert D. Bach |
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Physical and Organic Chemistry Theoretical Organic and Bioorganic Reaction Mechanisms Office Phone: (302)831-0887 Office: 276 BRL rbach@udel.edu Bach Group Web Page |
Associate Professor, Joseph Fox |
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Synthesis |
The development of new methods in organic synthesis. An emphasis will be
the enantioselective synthesis of strained molecules, which will
subsequently be transformed into larger, unstrained molecules using
reactions that increase functionality with absolute control of stereochemistry. |
| Assistant Professor Catherine L. Grimes
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Understanding how mammalian cells recognize and respond to the presence of a pathogen |
| We study the activation of the innate immune system by a bacterial threat. The innate immune system is the body's first line of defense against invading pathogens. This ancient system has evolved to live in a symbiotic relationship with some commensal bacteria and at the same time recognize and destroy virulent bacteria. Understanding the molecular details of this system is extremely important, as chronic inflammatory disorders, such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease, arise from an inappropriate immune response to bacteria. |
Professor, John T. Koh
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Bioorganic |
Bioorganic: Design and synthesis of small molecules and biomolecular systems for the regulation of gene transcription; glycomimics, receptor ligand design, protein engineering. We work to apply organic chemistry in new ways to interact with biological systems through the rational design and manipulation of small molecules through organic synthesis and biomolecules such as nucleic acids and proteins. |
| Professor, Douglass Taber
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Synthesis |
| We are interested in the enantioselective synthesis of complex, physiologicallyactive natural products. To this end, we are interested in developing new organic reactions, and in using computational methods to understand stoichiometric and catalytic organometallic chemistry. |
| Assistant Professor Donald A. Watson
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Transition Metal Catalysts |
| Our research program is broadly focused on the development of transition metal catalysts for applications in organic synthesis and alternative energy. Due to the importance of complex organic molecules in biology, medicine, agrochemical and material science, we are developing catalytic methods that allow high-value organic molecules to be prepared from inexpensive and abundant starting materials. We are particularly interested in inventing new reactions for the stereocontrolled introduction of heteroatoms, such as nitrogen, in rapid fashion. We are also employing principles of catalyst design and organometallic synthesis to prepare novel complexes for use as catalysts in alternative fuel preparation and energy storage. Our current efforts lie in exploring new methods for the reduction of carbon dioxide to liquid organic molecules, such as methanol, that can readily be used as fuels. Such chemistry, when combined with photovoltaic solar energy, is a potential key step in developing viable carbon-neutral fuel cycles to combat global warming and greenhouse gas emissions. |
| Assistant Professor Mary P. Watson
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Discovery of New Catalytic, Stereoselective Methods |
| The M. P. Watson Group is centered on the discovery of new catalytic, stereoselective methods for organic synthesis by utilizing the power of both transition metal and Brønsted acid catalysts. These methods will allow greater efficiency and novel bond constructions in the synthesis of stereochemically complex molecules, with applications that extend to natural products synthesis, drug discovery and process chemistry. The development of these methods will also provide a platform for mechanistic investigations, which will provide insights into questions of fundamental reactivity and catalyst design. |
Associate Professor, Neal Zondlo |
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Organic/Bioorganic |
| Our research focuses on the design, synthesis and development of small molecules and minimalist polymers with biological activity, the elucidation of fundamental principles of and discovery of effectors of biological interactions, the development of novel, functional proteins, and the development of novel and useful methods of enantioselective catalysis. |
