Abstract: Many important and synthetically challenging chemical reactions are carried out by metalloenzymes, including water oxidation, nitrogen fixation, O2 reduction, and oxidation of C–H bonds including as methane, fatty acids, and pharmaceuticals. Metalloenzymes are able to catalyze these reactions in part due to their ability to access reactive intermediates which is facilitated by the protein host.

Abstract: Electrically conductive polymers are used in biosensing architectures of many kinds due to their biocompatibility, high electrical conductivity, and ease of polymerization. These factors permit creative techniques to fabricate innovative nanoscale biosensors for point-of-care diagnostic purposes. The focus of this thesis defense will be on the fabrication, sensing properties, and characterization of two different nanoscale, conductive polymer biosensors.

Abstract: Heterocyclic scaffolds are present in greater than 85% of biologically active compounds. Metalated heterocycles, such as borylated and silylated heterocycles, are of interest because they enable the synthesis of diversely functionalized heterocycles, through the cross-coupling, conjugate addition, and oxidation reactivity of their metal–carbon bonds. Therefore, development of synthetic methods for the generation of metalated heterocycles has garnered significant attention.

Abstract:

This thesis defense spans the scope of four projects in synthetic organic chemistry. The first is the development of a number of drug analogues for the treatment of malaria, based on the isocyanoterpene family of natural products.  The second involves the Vanderwal lab’s efforts toward the total synthesis of the Curvulamine family of natural products and attempts to develop novel pyrrole annulation chemistry. The third project is the ongoing efforts for a convergent synthesis of the arcutine family of natural products.