Research Mission
create, catalyze, collaborate
Organic Chemistry
Each manuscript and each doctoral thesis is unique because you're encouraged to follow your curiosity when it comes to the art and science of synthesis. While developing a tailor-made plan for your studies, you will catalyze novel transformations, create useful molecules, and collaborate with diverse scientists. The professional and technical skills obtained prepares you for a career in both academia and industry. Browse our full publication list with > 85 manuscripts linked below to learn more.
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" 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.
Recent Paper
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.
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.
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.
Watch lecture from the NSF Virtual Symposium
Adventures in C-H Bond Activation
Watch lecture from the VCA Webinar
Choose your own adventures in metal-hydrides
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.