Our Research Interests
It is our aim to develop molecular catalysts based on isoalloxazine, which is the core structure of flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). These efforts are inspired by the diversity of chemical transformations mediated by flavoenzymes. Reactions that have previously been studied in enzymatic settings are equally in our focus as are those in which catalyst intermediates open up different reaction trajectories.
The design of these catalysts is evaluated in the context of stereo- and site-selective functionalization of organic compounds – especially peptide natural products – of increasing complexity. Flavins are versatile photocatalysts, they are effective organocatalysts, and they activate molecular oxygen from air. All of these features render flavins an ideal platform for designing the next generation of efficient and sustainable catalysts.
Our group is also part of a diverse consortium of research groups linking together synthetic chemisty, spectroscopy, protein design, and theory: CRC 325 Assembly Controlled Chemical Photocatalysis. Within this network, we are very excited to start exploring the properties and applications of photochemically excited molecular flavin catalysts in challenging organic transformations.
For more information regarding what we do in the lab - take a look at our publications or stop by in the lab.
We are always looking for new group members and offer projects for B.Sc., M.Sc., and PhD candidates. If you a are interested, contact Golo directly.