Research Interests

Chemistry of Cyclopropanones

Due to their extreme strain and propensity to rapidly polymerize, cyclopropanones constitute notoriously unstable species and have thus found only little application as building blocks in organic synthesis. Through the use of stable 1-sulfonylcyclopropanols as modular cyclopropanone equivalents accessible in enantioenriched form, our group develops novel stereospecific disconnections involving cyclopropanones as key electrophilic intermediates, via either 1,2-addition, ring-expansion or ring opening chemistry.

Synthesis of Strained Spirocycles

The recent clinical success of rigid, sp3-rich organic compounds has contributed to a major mindset shift in the medicinal chemistry community, with strained saturated spiro compounds recently emerging as highly desirable pharmacophores. To streamline the elaboration of such compound libraries, our group is developing new and innovative synthetic approaches to a variety strained chiral spirocycles.

Organometallic Chemistry

Organometallic complexes, which are metal complexes possessing at least one metal-carbon bond, constitute some of the most commonly found species in modern catalysis, often existing as high-energy intermediates. Our group works toward understanding the effect of the structure of these complexes on their reactivity in order to achieve an optimal activity in various catalytic contexts.

Green / Sustainable Chemistry

In recent years, the growing concerns about climate change and its direct relation with industrial processes have transformed the way people think about the production of their goods. In addition to the extensive use of catalysis as a superior solution to this problem, our group strives to develop more sustainable methodologies employing reagents and solvents with reduced toxicities, requiring fewer energy and producing less waste.