Faculty Bibliography

The development of catalytic asymmetric Nazarov reactions that require only 10 mol % of chiral Lewis acid and proceed with ee's between 72% and 97% is described.

Recent investigations have shown that a range of small molecules that reflect the metabolic state of a cell regulate the activity of potassium channels. For instance, hydrogen peroxide has been shown to activate adenosine 5'-triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels (K(ATP) channels), whereas heme closes certain calcium-activated potassium channels. Although the exact function of the beta subunit associated with voltage-gated potassium channels is still unclear, its crystal structure suggests that membrane excitability is directly coupled to metabolism.

Expeditious and high-yielding Nazarov cyclizations of 2-alkoxy-1,4-pentadien-3-ones are described. An example of a catalytic asymmetric Nazarov cyclization is presented. [reaction: see text]

The Lewis acid catalyzed cyclization of hexatrienes and pentadienals to bicyclo[3.1.0]hexenes and cyclopentenones, respectively, was investigated. The application of the former reaction to the total synthesis of photodeoxytridachione, a molluscan polypropionate, is described. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[reaction: see text]. An asymmetric approach toward the [6-7] ring system of the guanacastepenes is described.

The rational design and development of four-fold symmetrical ligands for potassium channels is described.

[reaction: see text] The stereoselective cyclization of delta-hydroxy nitriles to afford N,O-acetals and the application of this reaction toward the synthesis of glycosylamines is described.

Concise biomimetic syntheses of the antimalarial naphthoquinones (+/-)-pinnatal and (+/-)-sterekunthal A are described.