Development of Bioinspired Catalysts
The primary research interest in the group revolves around understanding the role of transition metal ions play in small molecule recognition and catalysis in biological systems. Our efforts have been focused on the design, synthesis and characterization of metal complexes as synthetic models for active sites of metalloenzymes involved in carbohydrate recognition, CO2 activation and hydrolysis of phosphoester bonds. The long range goal is to determine structural/activity relationship and elucidate reaction mechanisms to rationally design new compounds for better future. The current projects are designed to answer questions of potential relevance in the fields of medicine, energy and sustainability via a multi-disciplinary approach including synthetic, inorganic and biochemical techniques.
The projects include:
- Synthesis and characterization of bio-inspired transition metal complex as metalloenzyme mimics
- Study of carbohydrate interaction with transition metal complexes
- Activation of carbon dioxide by transition metal complexes and/or electrocatalytic means
- Hydrolysis of phosphoesters by transition metal complexes
Requirements
- one semester of Organic Chemistry
