Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Organic Synthesis

Organic Synthesis is a key research area within the Chemistry (PhD) programme, offering students the opportunity to work within a dedicated research group focused on the development of innovative synthetic methods. The group’s research centres on designing new approaches to chemical synthesis and applying these methods to the construction of target molecules, particularly natural products and biologically active compounds relevant to pharmaceutical and agrochemical applications. Research is often inspired by the structural complexity of these target molecules, driving the creation of novel and efficient synthetic strategies.

Current research interests include main group catalysis using elements such as iodine, boron, and aluminium, electrochemical reactions as sustainable technologies, flow chemistry, and the synthesis of energetic materials. A strong emphasis is placed on developing efficient, catalytic, and environmentally conscious methods, including electrophile-driven additions to unsaturated carbon–carbon bonds. The group is also active in organocatalysis, an area of growing importance due to concerns over the toxicity of transition metals, with research targeting complex molecular structures such as peptides, alkaloids, steroids, and plant-derived heterocycles.

The research environment is highly interdisciplinary, with collaborations across the UK and internationally. These partnerships provide opportunities for students to engage in collaborative projects and, in some cases, undertake research placements abroad, enhancing both their academic experience and global research exposure