Natural Product Synthesis and Synthetic Methodology

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Natural products are inherently optimized for biological interactions and occupy chemical space distinct from that of most synthetic molecules. As such they represent an unparalleled source of inspiration for advances in organic chemistry and disease treatment. We regard natural products not only as valuable commodities per se, but also as a driving force for invention of new and enabling synthetic technologies of broader scope. **Hence, the proposed work aims at streamlining target-oriented synthesis and the development of powerful new methods and strategies for constructing privileged structures. The targets are functionalized oxacycles (lactones, tetrahydrofurans, gamma-pyrones and cyclic peroxides) having unusual structural features and highly sought biological properties, including antitumor, anti-inflammatory and antimalarial activities. Each target instills specific challenges that provide ample opportunity for addressing key issues such as selectivity, step-economy and overall efficiency. Some of them (e.g. anomaxins A-B, donnaienin A and paracaseolide A) also provide a testing ground for some new reactions discovered very recently in my laboratories. **Students who carry out this research develop problem-solving skills along with extensive expertise in synthetic organic chemistry. Nearly all members of my group further benefit through active participation in collaborative research on heterogeneous asymmetric catalysis, which involves a combination of surface science, organic synthesis and computational chemistry. Thus, broad-based training in an interdisciplinary setting is ensured.