Organic synthesis is the underlying theme of all our research programs. Much effort is directed toward the total synthesis of natural products, and the Kelly group has synthesized approximately fifty carbocyclic and heterocyclic natural products over the years. Another focus of our work is the design and synthesis of non natural molecules that exhibit function. These molecules include receptors, templates, catalysts and, most recently, molecular devices (motors, brakes, etc.).

Representative Key Publications:

"Unidirectional rotary motion in a molecular system," T.R. Kelly, H. De Silva and R.A. Silva, Nature, 1999, 400, 150-152.

“Synthesis of the Pyrazolo[4,3-e][1,2,4]triazine Family of Natural Products: Nostocine A, Fluviol A, and Pseudoiodinine.” T. R. Kelly, E. L. Elliott, R. Lebedev and J. Pagalday, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2006 128, 5646-5647.

"Progress toward a Rationally Designed, Chemically Powered Rotary Molecular Motor," T. R. Kelly, X. Cai, F. Damkaci, S. B. Panicker, B. Tu, S. M. Bushell, I. Cornella, M. J. Piggott, R. Salives, M. Cavero, Y. Zhao, and S. Jasmin, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2007, 129, 376-386.