Research

Professor van Otterlo's research thrusts are mainly focused on the utilisation of modern synthetic methodologies for the synthesis of functional organic molecules. The main research areas are briefly described below:

The development of novel synthetic methodology

This thrust involves the utilization of organometallic based methodology for the synthesis of small molecules. During the last few years the research group has utilized ruthenium-mediated catalysis to facilitate ring closing metathesis and allyl isomerizations to produce highly functionalized and diverse molecular scaffolds.

Synthesis of bioactive molecules and utilization of chemical biology

This area of research is aimed at using synthetic chemistry for the synthesis of biologically active natural products and their analogues. The biological targets of interest include HIV, hepatitis, malaria and various cancers. Recently the application of bio-probes to understand the interaction of these bioactive molecules with their targets has also been investigated. Crucial to this research area are strong, interactive collaborations with local and International research groups (see Collaborations).

Medicinal chemistry involving cancer and infectious diseases

A number of projects involve the use of natural products as structural muses for the development of new anti-cancer agents. In addition, synthetic modification of natural products has also been performed. Other areas of medicinal interest include tubulin, TOPO1/2 and kinase inhibitors.

The development of novel synthetic methodology

This thrust involves the utilization of organometallic based methodology for the synthesis of small molecules. During the last few years the research group has utilized ruthenium-mediated catalysis to facilitate ring closing metathesis and allyl isomerizations to produce highly functionalized and diverse molecular scaffolds.

Stellenbosch University’s Department of Chemistry and Polymer Sciences