Prof. Dr. Stefan F. Kirsch
Research Interests
Research activities in our group can be categorized according to two main projects:
- Creation of Diversity in the Synthesis of Small Molecules, and
- Target-oriented Synthesis of Complex Organic Molecules with Promising Biological Properties.
In our studies, the syntheses of natural products and analogues thereof play a key role in the development of new methods. In addition, we investigate novel and flexible strategies for the synthesis of biologically relevant heterocycles.
Research Interest - Subgroup Gómez-Suárez
The fundamental goal of our research is to establish catalytic transformations with direct application to the synthesis and late-stage modification of biomolecules, such as saccharides, amino acids, and peptides. To achieve this, we combine traditional synthetic methodologies, such as radical chemistry and transition metal catalysis, with modern technologies, such as photocatalysis, to develop versatile and environmentally benign synthetic methodologies. Currently, there are two main research lines in the group:
A) Development of radical deoxyfunctionalisation strategies
B) Synthesis and modification of amino acids and peptides
Homepage Gómez-Suárez Subgroup
Prof. Dr. Jürgen Scherkenbeck
Forschungsschwerpunkte:
- Synthese von Naturstoffen mit Wirkungen gegen vernachlässigte Krankheiten wie Malaria und parasitäre Wurminfektionen
- Insekten-Neuropeptide als Vorbilder für selektive und umweltverträgliche Insektizide
- Molekulare Erkennung von pharmazeutisch relevanten Peptiden als neues Wirkprinzip in der Krebsforschung
Homepage J. Scherkenbeck Group
Prof. Dr. Mario Wiesenfeldt
Research Interests
The Wiesenfeldt group is developing synthetic organic methods that address key synthetic challenges in medicinal chemistry. In particular, we focus on reactions that access nitrogen- and C(sp³)-rich motifs, i. e. structures that are prevalent in natural products and highly relevant to drug discovery, yet remain difficult to synthesize. To achieve this, the Wiesenfeldt Lab designs tailor-made organic reagents and catalysts that provide orthogonal selectivity to traditional metal-based systems while remaining resistant to catalyst poisoning.
A central theme of our work is enabling energetically challenging transformations through the generation of highly reactive open-shell species such as radical ions. Selectivity is introduced through the formation of photoexcitable electron donor–acceptor (EDA) complexes between the reagent or catalyst and the substrate to ensure that only the desired motif is activated.
Emeriti und Pensionäre
Prof. a. D. Dr. Hans-Josef Altenbach
Prof. a. D. Dr. Manfred Schneider
