Synthetic Methodology and Natural Product Synthesis

Chemical Synthesis (Radical, Organometallic, and Catalytic Methodologies) and Natural Product Synthesis (Alkaloids and Terpenes)

The aim of our research project is to develop methods and strategies that can be applied for efficient total synthesis of different classes of products possessing interesting biological profiles. Processes involving radical chemistry, organometallic processes, and enantioselective organocatalysis are investigated. We are focused on increasing the efficiency of target molecule synthesis by minimizing the number of synthetic steps, opening new synthetic pathways, and using sustainable processes.

We are currently developing new synthetic methods based on radical reactions, using haloacetamides and alkenes as pro-radicals that can react with several types of radical acceptors (e.g. alkenes, ketones, hydrazones) to give functionalized compounds with a broad spectrum of utility. For example, these processes allow the concise preparation of polycyclic adamantane-type compounds on a gram-scale for their subsequent evaluation as a source of new organocatalysts and to check their biological activity.

In the field of organometallic chemistry, our goal is the study of carbon-carbon bond formation using Pd, Rh, and Ru reagents in search of new processes tor the preparation of complex organic heterocyclic compounds. The synthesis of 5- to 9-membered nitrogen heterocycles by means of annulation processes is based either on selective carbene-mediated C-H bond activation or domino sequences beginning with metal-catalyzed arylation of enolate-type nucleophiles.

Complex natural products are a source of potential pharmaceuticals, often acting as starting points for drug discovery, as well as being tools to learn about biologically important processes. Synthetic approaches to targeted lycopodium and daphniphyllum alkaloids are in course.