科研

Joining Forces of Computation and Organic Synthesis

1. Developing theories and understanding reaction mechanisms
We are interested in knowing how an important or new reaction happens. This knowledge will help us understand a reaction and satisfy our curiosities to nature. On the other hand, in-depth understanding of the reaction mechanisms can help chemists optimize the reaction conditions, and provide guides for the design of new reactions and catalysts. In the studies of reaction mechanisms, we are using either computational chemistry or experimental techniques or both to explore the potential energy surface of a reaction, to see the 3-D structures of reactants, transition states, intermediates and products involved.
2. Discovering and developing new reactions and catalysts for ideal synthesis
Discovering, designing and developing new reactions and catalysts are critical for ideal and green synthesis, which is paramount for advancing today’s science and technology while improving the quality of life for human beings. In this research area, our focus is to design and develop new reactions and catalysts through the joint forces of computational chemistry and synthetic organic chemistry.
3. Designing and synthesizing functional molecules to address problems in sciences such as medicine, biology, materials, agriculture, and environment.
We are passionate to apply the designed and discovered reactions in our laboratories to address the challenges in total syntheses of natural and non-natural products. Meanwhile, our eyes are open to natural products with either significant biological activities or novel skeletons or both. At the present stage, we are endeavoring to utilize our designed Rh-catalyzed [(5+2)+1] cycloaddition to synthesize natural products with medium-sized carbocycles and triquinane skeletons.