Research includes total synthesis for medicinal and agrochemical applications. New environmentally-friendly methods in free-radical chemistry are being invented and applied to the synthesis of complex compounds with activity as analgesics, as anti-Alzheimer treatments and as anti-cancer therapies.
International collaborative studies of new pteridines as potent inhibitors of important enzymes also have fundamental applications to cancer therapy.
The synthesis of sequence-selective DNA minor-groove binders addresses the cancer theme from a third angle.
In the field of organometallic chemistry, complexes based on several transition and non-transition metals are being investigated and applied in new ways to develop stereocontrolled syntheses of important organic molecules, including antibiotics and anti-malarial agents.
Physical organic chemistry is well represented through studies of reactive intermediates by low-temperature matrix isolation and by new studies of chemistry in ionic liquids.
Polymer chemistry plays a major role in organic chemistry research and lends itself to natural collaborations both within and outside the Department.
The organic chemistry of polymers emphasises the synthesis of tailored polymers with specific chemical or physical properties.
Applications include polymer catalysis, selective polymeric sorbents and proton-conducting polymers, all of which have strong commercial and technological relevance.
More fundamental studies focus on novel methods of controlling backbone architecture and chirality.
The department contributes to collaborative drug research through PharmaLinks (external link) and the Strathclyde Institute for Drug Research (external link).