Scroll Top

Research Organic

Organic Research

Research in organic chemistry at UNC Chapel Hill covers a broad range of subjects from synthetic methods development to the design of materials with functions inspired by biological systems. Research is often interdisciplinary and involves science at the frontiers of polymer chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, materials science and bioorganic chemistry.

With nine faculty members formally in the organic division and a number of faculty members from other divisions whose research involves organic chemistry, graduate students find they have a wide range of choices for their doctoral research.

  • Synthetic Methods Development
  • Natural Products Synthesis
  • Chemical Catalysis
  • Bioorganic Chemistry
  • Molecular Photochemistry
  • Supramolecular Chemistry
  • Molecular Recognition
  • Chemical Biology
  • Medicinal Chemistry
  • Polymer Synthesis and Functionalization

Recent Research Results

Catalytic, Asymmetric Michael-Aldol Annulations via a Stereodivergent and Stereoconvergent Path Operating under Curtin-Hammett Control

A bifunctional iminophosphorane (BIMP)-catalyzed method for the synthesis of densely functionalized cyclohexanols establishes five contiguous stereocenters.

Enantio- and Diastereoselective Mannich Reactions of ß-Dicarbonyls by Second Stage Diastereoconvergent Crystallization

Herein, we disclose a simple catalytic crystallization-driven enantio- and diastereoselective Mannich reaction for the synthesis of stereodefined α-monosubstituted-ß-keto esters, dissymmetric ß-diesters, dissymmetric ß-diketones, and ß-keto amides that productively leverages product epimerization in solution.

11C-, 12C-, and 13C-cyanation of electron-rich arenes via organic photoredox catalysis

Here, we disclose a mild organophotoredox-catalyzed method for efficient cyanation of a broad spectrum of electron-rich arenes, including abundant and readily available veratroles and pyrogallol trimethyl ethers.

Representative Publications

Privacy Preferences
When you visit our website, it may store information through your browser from specific services, usually in form of cookies. Here you can change your privacy preferences. Please note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our website and the services we offer.