Jeff Hansen: Stereoselective epoxidations

My research is focussed on synthetic method development. Specifically, we are investigating a tandem aldol/epoxidation reaction using sulfur ylides or related compounds to bring about both the aldol and epoxidation reactions. The reaction is highly diastereoselective and we are working on new methods to also make it enantioselective. This research involves typical organic synthesis techniques and usually anaerobic and anhydrous reaction conditions. We are also employing the statistical methods of Design of Experiments, most notably Taguchi design and Box-Behnken design, to optimize the aldol/epoxidation reaction. Finally, we are using the aldol/epoxidation product as the starting point of a Diversity Oriented Synthesis scheme the goal of which is to produce a variety of drug-like molecules. Continued.