The focus of this research is the use of a variant of the Kulinkovich cyclopropanation reaction to afford hetero-substituted cyclopropanes. The substituted cyclopropanes will serve as synthetic intermediates for the production of several classes of organic compounds. Among the target molecules are medium sized carbocycles, triquinanes and functionalized alkaloids.
With this new award, the Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry Program is supporting the research of Dr. Jin K. Cha of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Alabama. Professor Cha will focus his work on developing synthetic methodology which relies on the inherent reactivity of three membered rings. The methodology will be used to synthesize interesting natural products.
