Studies on the Total Synthesis of Anthracimycin and Related Natural Products

Project: Anthracimycin and chlorotonil A exhibit extremely potent activity as antibiotic agents, while streptosetin A has anti-tumour activity. Both anthracimycin and chlorotonil A have succumbed to total synthesis using similar intramolecular Diels-Alder approaches. Control of the decalin stereochemistry was achieved by use of either a chiral or bromide auxiliary in the key intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction. This project aims to develop a different general strategy for the expedient synthesis of highly functionalised decalin systems present in these natural products. Our strategy relies on intermolecular annulation approaches on a common 4-substituted cyclohexenone, to set up the decalin ring and its stereochemistry.

Training: All research students follow our innovative Doctoral Training in Chemistry (iDTC): cohort-based training to support the development of scientific, transferable and employability skills. All research students take the core training package which provides both a grounding in the skills required for their research, and transferable skills to enhance employability opportunities following graduation. Core training is progressive and takes place at appropriate points throughout a student’s higher degree programme, with the majority of training taking place in Year 1. In conjunction with the Core training, students, in consultation with their supervisor(s), select training related to the area of their research.

The Clarke group trains all members in contemporary synthetic organic chemistry techniques, including the spectroscopic identification of compounds. The student will attend weekly group meetings focusing on the development of literature awareness, presentation of results, problem solving and mechanistic skills. Guidance will also be given on project management and project specific scientific issues. As part of the Organic Chemistry section the student will be exposed to a wide range of visiting speakers through a vibrant external seminar program. The student will also be encouraged to present their work as a poster and as oral presentations at least two different national or international meetings.

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You should expect hold or expect to achieve the equivalent of at least a UK upper second class degree in Chemistry or a related subject. Please check the entry requirements for your country: https://www.york.ac.uk/study/international/your-country/