Organic Synthesis and Organic Synthetic Methodology. We study the synthesis of novel molecules that are of potential pharmaceutical interest. Recently we have directed out efforts toward the synthesis of a class of heterocycles known as the indazoles. Indazole derivatives are known to have antibacterial, antidepressant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Synthesis of Strained Heterocycles. Our research group also investigates the synthesis of strained nitrogen-containing cyclic molecules such as the diazetines and diazetine dioxides. These studies are important since they require development of novel methods for creating strained bonds in molecules, allow us to test the limits of bonding in organic molecule, and have potential applications as synthetic fuels and explosive molecules. The diazetine dioxides have potential use in the treatment of hypertension since they release nitric oxide (NO) in a very controlled manner.
