Synthetic Chemistry
Construction of specific molecules on demand is an important challenge
to modern chemistry. The synthesis groups at UT tackle this problem
with a variety of interesting goals including the elaboration of natural
products, catalysts, polymers, and pharmaceuticals. The design and
construction of useful and unique molecules often require development
of new synthesis methods, typically employ application of state-of-the-art
spectroscopic techniques, and often exploit sophisticated computational
methods to resolve various problems. Thus the synthesis student is
challenged to use cutting-edge tools and techniques.
Research Areas
Interdisciplinary Research
Chemical Physics
Computational Chemistry
Environmental Chemistry
Life Sciences
Materials Chemistry
Neutron Sciences
Synthetic Chemistry
Contributions in the biomedical, materials, and environmental areas have high priority. Research groups at UT have discovered new reactions, synthesized compounds active against HIV, developed a therapeutic agent used to destroy tumors, prepared bifunctional polymer reagents, and designed and synthesized new silicate-based sorbents which exhibit enhanced ion recognition for the removal of toxic metal ions from aqueous waste streams.