Research
Two programs, one chemistry engine.
We build the tools to determine molecular structures at atomic resolution, and the reactions that make molecules previously thought inaccessible.
Electron microscopy, MicroED, cryo-EM
Structural Chemistry
In the structural chemistry subgroup, we develop new electron microscopy techniques — including MicroED, single-particle analysis, and electron tomography — to determine atomic-resolution structures of molecules ranging from small natural products to large protein assemblies.
Utilizing transmission electron microscopes, the group determines molecular structures from small natural products to large biomolecules through real-space imaging, electron diffraction, automation, and data processing.
Methods
- Microcrystal electron diffraction (MicroED)
- Single-particle cryo-EM
- Electron tomography
- Automated diffraction mapping
- Structure solution of natural products
Landmark papers
More from this subgroup
- 2026Discovery and Characterization of a Silicon Aluminum Scandate (SAS) MaterialActa Materialia
- 2025Combining MicroED and Native Mass Spectrometry for Structural Discovery of Enzyme-Small Molecule ComplexesProc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.
- 2025Genome Mining of Fungal Aza-Polycyclic Natural Products Derived from Arginine-Containing CyclodipeptidesJ. Nat. Prod.
- 2024High-Silica, Enantiomerically Enriched STW-Type Molecular SieveChem. Mater.
- 2018The CryoEM Method MicroED as a Powerful Tool for Small Molecule Structure DeterminationACS Cent. Sci.
Carbocations, main-group catalysis, mechanism
Synthesis & Catalysis
In the chemical synthesis subgroup, we develop new reactions and catalytic methods guided by mechanism and reactive intermediates, particularly harnessing high-energy carbocation states to make molecules previously thought inaccessible.
Leveraging data science, computational chemistry, and physical organic tools, the group drives discovery through a reactivity-focused approach guided by reaction mechanisms and transient intermediates.
Methods
- Vinyl carbocation intermediates
- Main-group and silylium catalysis
- Weakly coordinating carborane anions
- C–H insertion and functionalisation
- Mechanism-guided reaction discovery
Landmark papers
More from this subgroup
- 2024Main Group-Catalyzed Cationic Claisen Rearrangements via Vinyl CarbocationsOrg. Lett.
- 2024Accessing Medium-Sized Rings via Vinyl Carbocation IntermediatesOrg. Lett.
- 2023α-Vinylation of Ester Equivalents via Main Group Catalysis for the Construction of Quaternary CentersOrg. Lett.
- 2022Electrochemical Fluorination of Vinyl Boronates Through Donor-Stabilized Vinyl Carbocation IntermediatesAngew. Chem. Int. Ed.
- 2019Vinyl Carbocations Generated under Basic Conditions and Their Intramolecular C–H Insertion ReactionsJ. Am. Chem. Soc.