We investigate organic reactivity and structure using both experimental and computational methods, and we are developing chemical informatics techniques to help this process.
Analysing reaction mechanisms
We use computational methods to investigate the mechanisms of reactions. We use the results to explain selectivity and catalysis, and to design new reagents and processes.[1]
For example, binaphthol-like ligands are extremely important, but it is not always clear which enantiomer of the reagent produces which product. Our calculations provide answers.[2]
Solubility measurement and data analysis
We measure solubility to high accuracy using a potentiometric method. This has enabled us to construct a very accurate database, which is currently being used to run an international competition for solubility analysis and prediction.[3] This work involves the synthesis and experimental analysis of drug-like molecules.
We also develop methods for automatically assembling and curating databases, and some of these resources are available on our website
Chemical informatics: getting the most out of experimental results
Can we trust experimental measurements? We simulate experimental data in order to check and explain the results. Our simulations of molecules in solution have given us new information about the effects of salts and sugars on biomolecules.[4] Our analyses of NMR data enable us to distinguish between series of similar structures for which limited analytical data is available.[5,6]
Selected Publications
1. Brønsted or Lewis Acid Activation? Org. Lett. 2009, 11, 37-40. (DOI: 10.1021/ol802270u)
2. BINOL-Phosphoric Acid-Catalyzed Strecker Reaction J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2009, 131, 4070-4077. (DOI: 10.1021/ja808715j)
3. Findings of the Challenge To Predict Aqueous Solubility J. Chem. Inf. Model. 2009, 49, 1-5. (DOI: 10.1021/ci800436c)
4. The effect of sodium chloride on poly-L-glutamate conformation Chem. Commun. 2009, 896-898. (DOI: 10.1039/b816055d)
5. NMR Shift Calculation J. Org. Chem. 2009, 74, 4597-4607. (DOI: 10.1021/jo900408d)
6. How Reliable are Force Fields? J. Chem. Inf. Model. 2009, 49, 944-955. (DOI: 10.1021/ci900009f)