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
Magnesium Nitride as a Convenient Source of Ammonia: Preparation of Primary Amides
Org Lett
(2008)
10
3623
(doi: 10.1021/ol801398z)
A general organocatalytic enantioselective malonate addition to α,β-unsaturated enones
Chemistry A European Journal
(2008)
14
6155
(doi: 10.1002/chem.200800673)
Practical organocatalysis with (S)- and (r)-5-pyrrolidin-2-yl-1H-tetrazoles
Aldrichimica Acta
(2008)
41
3
New focused microwave approach to the synthesis of amino-substituted pyrroloisoquinolines and pyrroloquinolines via a sequential multi-component coupling process
Synthesis
(2008)
2008
1688
(doi: 10.1055/s-2008-1067048)
The application of focused microwave irradiation coupled with freeze drying to investigate the reaction of MgO and Al 2 O 3 slurries in the formation of layered double hydroxides
Green Chemistry
(2008)
10
629
(doi: 10.1039/b801365a)
16th International Isotope Society (UK group) Symposium
Journal of Labelled Compounds and Radiopharmaceuticals
(2008)
51
247
(doi: 10.1002/jlcr.1513)
A new synthesis of (-)-epipyriculol: a phytotoxic metabolite
Tetrahedron
(2008)
64
4711
(doi: 10.1016/j.tet.2008.01.115)
FeCl 3 -Catalysed Cleavage of 1,2-Butanediacetal Protected Diols
Synlett
(2008)
2008
1293
(doi: 10.1055/s-2008-1072752)
A general organocatalytic enantioselective nitrocyclopropanation reaction
Synthesis
(2008)
2008
1269
(doi: 10.1055/s-2008-1042944)
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