We are exploiting the reactive nature of pyrrole in intramolecular Michael additions to construct the azabicyclic skeletons of various alkaloids. This is being extended to the synthesis of selected Stemona alkaloids, natural products that have been used in folk medicines.

We are investigating the use of dinuclear manganese complexes to mimic the enzymes that are involved in the biosynthesis of naturally occurring compounds such as morphine. This methodology will be used for the key carbon-carbon bond forming process in the synthesis of compounds such as galanthamine.

This project aims to utilise the chemistry of pyrrole to develop a novel synthetic protocol for the synthesis of bicyclic alkaloids. The reactivity of the pyrrole ring will be used to build up chemical complexity including the construction of a second ring. These systems will then be modified to permit controlled introduction of desirable functional groups synthesising the desired alkaloids.