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Research interests
Jonathan Clayden and his research group work on the construction of molecules with defined shapes, and are particular interested in exploring and exploiting molecular conformation.
The shape of a molecule dictates its function, and understanding conformational effects allows us to make molecules that behave in specific ways. We use the understanding we gain from conformational studies to design and synthesise molecular communication devices that transmit information to remote reactive sites, and to make conformationally-defined molecules (foldamers) that mimic biological function. We also explore new classes of atropisomers for potential use as chiral ligands.
We have also discovered that the restricted conformation of planar functional groups such as amides and ureas endue them, and their anionic (especially organolithium) derivatives, with remarkable new reactive properties which we make use of in the synthesis of valuable, potentially bioactive, target molecules.
Jonathan Clayden is the author of the widely-used textbook Organic Chemistry (Clayden, Greeves and Warren, 2nd edn. published OUP 2012)
Keywords
- chemistry
- synthesis
- conformation
- stereochemistry
- organic
- foldamer
- organolithium
- urea
- amide
- atropisomer
- rearrangement
- dearomatization
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
Research output
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Anion-Dependent Hydrogen-Bond Polarity Switching in Ethylene-bridged Urea Oligomers
Tilly, D. P., Morris, D. T. J. & Clayden, J., 17 Aug 2023, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Chemistry – A European Journal. e202302210.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article (Academic Journal) › peer-review
Open Access -
Conformational preference in difluoroacetamide oligomers: probing the potential for foldamers with C–H⋯O hydrogen bonds
Žabka, M. & Clayden, J., 27 Jun 2023, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Organic & biomolecular chemistry. 21, 29, p. 5939-5943 5 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article (Academic Journal) › peer-review
Open Access -
Dynamic and Persistent Cyclochirality in Hydrogen-Bonded De-rivatives of Medium-Ring Triamines
Morris, D. T. J., Wales, S. M., Echavarren, J., Zabka, M., Marsico, G., Ward, J. W., Pridmore, N. E. & Clayden, J., 18 Aug 2023, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Journal of the American Chemical Society. 145, 34, p. 19030-19041 12 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article (Academic Journal) › peer-review
Open Access