Director of Research
In the Ley Group, we specialise in developing new synthesis methods and applying them to the construction of biologically important molecules. Over the years we have completed the total synthesis of many natural products, including: spongistatin 1 (anti-mitotic agent); rapamycin (immunosuppressant); thapsigargin (SERCA pumps inhibitor); azadirachtin (insect antifeedant); and bengazole A (fungicide). In addition to our research on natural product synthesis, we also pioneered flow chemistry and machine assisted synthesis.
For more detailed research information and our publication list, please see our legacy group website.
Completed Natural Products

Publications
Preparation of enantiopure butane-2,3-diacetals of glycolic acid and alkylation reactions leading to alpha-hydroxyacid and amide derivatives
Org. Biomol. Chem.
(2004)
2
3608
(doi: 10.1039/b412788a)
Studies on the generation of enolate anions from butane-2,3-diacetal protected glycolic acid derivatives and subsequent highly diastereoselective coupling reactions with aldehydes and acid chlorides.
Org Biomol Chem
(2004)
2
3618
(doi: 10.1029/b412790k)
The first Lewis acid-catalyzed allylboronate additions to aldehydes
Chemtracts
(2004)
17
620
Enantioselective organocatalytic cyclopropanation via ammonium ylides
Angew Chem Int Ed Engl
(2004)
43
4641
(doi: 10.1002/anie.200460234)
The preparation and alkylation of a butanedione-derived chiral glycine equivalent and its use for the synthesis of α-amino acids and α,α-disubstituted amino acids
Tetrahedron
(2004)
60
7679
(doi: 10.1016/j.tet.2004.06.063)
Synthesis of the C-1/C-15 spiroketal fragment (AB) of spongistatin 1.
ABSTRACTS OF PAPERS OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2004)
228
U77
A concise total synthesis of (+)-okaramine C
Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry
(2004)
2
2415
(doi: 10.1039/b410180d)
5-Pyrrolidin-2-yltetrazole as an asymmetric organocatalyst for the addition of ketones to nitro-olefins.
Chemical communications (Cambridge, England)
(2004)
10
1808
(doi: 10.1039/b409646k)
Synthesis of the thapsigargins
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
(2004)
101
12073
(doi: 10.1073/pnas.0403300101)
Multi-step application of immobilized reagents and scavengers: a total synthesis of epothilone C.
Chemistry
(2004)
10
2529
(doi: 10.1002/chem.200305669)
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