Chemistry 299/399/499-Natural Products and Medicinal Chemistry Research

The molecular structure displayed at left is the parent target of our current research efforts. Commonly named canthin-6-one by natural products chemists it has been isolated from plants and the bark of tropical trees. Preliminary screening has shown that it is cytotoxic. It is thought to act as a cytotoxic agent by intercalation of DNA (at right). The development of a route to successfully synthesize this parent compound will enable the synthesis of derivatives which may provide more potent drugs.

Research in our Group

Natural Products Research is carried out in our laboratories throughout the year. Students may register for Chemistry 299, 399, or 499. Chemistry 299 is primarily literature work. Chemistry 399 and 499 are organic laboratory projects. If you are interested in working with us please see Professor Czerwinski in Room B149 of the Science Building. Additional opportunities are sometimes available. During the summer of 1997 a ten week paid internship was available to undergraduate students. Shown below is a typical day in the lab.

• 10) Chemistry is Cool.
• 9) To say, "What's up Doc?"
• 8) The NMR always works.
• 7) To play lost and found with tryptamine.
• 6) The Kugelrohr.
• 5) Mechanism Wars with Doc (AKA article presentations).
• 4) There are fish guts in the freezer.
• 3) 'Cuz Doc gets paid the big bucks.
• 2) It's Christmas every day.
• 1) Two words: FLASH CHROMATOGRAPHY!

Has science reached a dead end (again)?

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