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
Award Address (Arthur C. Cope Award sponsored by the Arthur C. Cope Fund). Natural product synthesis as an inspiration for discovery
ABSTRACTS OF PAPERS OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2018)
256
A Versatile Route to Unstable Diazo Compounds via Oxadiazolines and their Use in Aryl–Alkyl Cross‐Coupling Reactions
Angewandte Chemie
(2017)
129
16829
(doi: 10.1002/ange.201710445)
Visible-Light-Mediated Annulation of Electron-Rich Alkenes and Nitrogen-Centered Radicals from N-Sulfonylallylamines: Construction of Chloromethylated Pyrrolidine Derivatives.
The Journal of Organic Chemistry
(2017)
82
13093
(doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.7b02146)
A Lewis Base Catalysis Approach for the Photoredox Activation of Boronic Acids and Esters.
Angewandte Chemie International Edition
(2017)
56
15136
(doi: 10.1002/anie.201709690)
A Versatile Route to Unstable Diazo Compounds via Oxadiazolines and their Use in Aryl–Alkyl Cross‐Coupling Reactions
Angewandte Chemie International Edition
(2017)
56
16602
(doi: 10.1002/anie.201710445)
Continuous Preparation and Use of Dibromoformaldoxime as a Reactive Intermediate for the Synthesis of 3-Bromoisoxazolines
Organic Process Research & Development
(2017)
21
1588
(doi: 10.1021/acs.oprd.7b00229)
Rapid Continuous Ruthenium-Catalysed Transfer Hydrogenation of Aromatic Nitriles to Primary Amines
Synlett
(2017)
28
2855
(doi: 10.1055/s-0036-1589096)
Chemoselective Continuous Ru-Catalyzed Hydrogen-transfer Oppenauer-type Oxidation of Secondary Alcohols
Organic Process Research & Development
(2017)
21
1419
(doi: 10.1021/acs.oprd.7b00190)
Unveiling the role of boroxines in metal-free carbon-carbon homologations using diazo compounds and boronic acids
Chemical Science
(2017)
8
6071
(doi: 10.1039/C7SC02264F)
Flow synthesis of cyclobutanones $\textit{via}$ [2 + 2] cycloaddition of keteneiminium salts and ethylene gas
React. Chem. Eng.
(2017)
2
295
(doi: 10.1039/c7re00020k)
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