Organic Chemistry

Right Float Photo The faculty and students in the organic division pursue a rich diversity of modern research projects. Traditional synthesis programs involving natural products are complemented by extensive efforts to develop new synthetic pathways to therapeutic and diagnostic medicinal agents. An additional goal of the synthesis groups is the development and application of new methodologies, including environmentally friendly reaction procedures. The division's research in physical organic chemistry spans a broad range of topics including traditional reaction mechanism studies; gas and solution phase thermochemistry; aromatic photochemistry in matrices; and the structure and dynamics of micelles. All of these pursuits are supported by a complete suite of modern analytical and spectroscopic instrumentation useful in organic chemistry research. The organic faculty and their research groups interact extensively with colleagues in other areas in the department on topics of mutual interest, researchers both in other UT departments such as biochemistry and biology and in the University's Centers of Excellence in Biotechnology and Structural Biology, and with colleagues at national laboratories, particularly Oak Ridge National Laboratory, which is located nearby.