Research Mission

create, catalyze, collaborate

Organic Chemistry

Each project is unique because we follow interesting problems in organic chemistry wherever they lead. We explore diverse approaches: synthesizing complex molecules, developing enantioselective catalysts, uncovering organometallic mechanisms, and pioneering photocatalysis and electrocatalysis—all driven by impact and creativity. You have the intellectual freedom to shape your own research and thesis projects. Our students and postdoctoral fellows go on to be creative problem-solvers, as professors in academia or scientists in the pharmaceutical industry (e.g., medicinal chemists or process chemists). View full publication list.

Create

Our group is intrigued by natural products and their biosynthesis. We target macrocycles such as cyclic peptides and polyketides. A designer amino acid enabled facile construction of dichotomin E. Inspired by biosynthetic transformations, we design metal-catalyzed versions that are broadly applicable. In mimicking a step in cholesterol biosynthesis, we invented a transfer hydroformylation to access an alkaloid called yohimbenone.

Catalyze

Catalysts make the world go round. Our research is driven by (1) a fundamental interest in organometallic mechanisms and (2) a practical need for sustainable technologies. In the past decade, we developed atom-economical transformations using Rh-hydride and Co-hydrides. Current efforts focus on earth abundant metal-salts. Coincidentally, in Vietnamese, "Dong" literally means copper.

Collaborate

We use the power of organic synthesis to make functional molecules, including ligands, biological tools, and biosteres. Representative endeavors include designing molecules for the study of cancer metabolism (Bowers Lab), immunotherapy (Burke Lab), carbon dioxide capture (Yang Lab, 4C), theoretical studies (Hirschi and Furche Labs). We partner with friends in industry (Merck and Solvias) and are open to new collaborations.

Spotlight

Pyrazoles are important motifs in medicine. Check out Minghao, Sophia, and Julie's Cu-catalyzed hydromamination with pyrazoles. This study features a unique way to control the N1 to N2 selectivity.

Perspective

Patrick and Xintong highlight our lab's use of tandem catalysis and hydrogenation. By designing these catalytic cascades, we can access diverse structures, from sulfoxides to peptides.

Account

Ryan and Erin share insights on how we taught aldehydes new tricks using catalysis. Our efforts in Rh and Co catalysis demonstrate how you can turn a common functional group into a powerful handle in synthesis.

Abstracts

Link to publication list (>85 manuscripts)

UCI OpenCourseWare

A Few of My Favorite Rings

Throw-back to Vy's first lecture at UCI where she shares the original mission statement we still hold true. Special appearance by Larry Overman. As a founding member of the department, Larry's vision profoundly influences who we are today.

NSF Virtual Symposium

Adventures in C-H Bond Activation

Lecture on hydroacylation and how transiton-metals teach old functional groups (like aldehydes) new tricks.

Acknowledgements

We are grateful for funding from the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation. We thank UC Irvine students, faculty, and staff for support and sharing of the chemical inventory, equipment, and instrumentation.

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