Research

Synthetic organic chemistry is the art of making chemical compounds from smaller entities. Alongside the research carried out in the Passarella’s group, our focus is on the development of new synthetic methodologies for applications in the synthesis of natural products and pharmaceutically active ingredients.

We have three main research directions:

1. Heterocycle functionalisations

We are developing new strategies for the selective functionalisation of pyridines and other N-heterocycles, as well as synthesising novel boron-containing scaffolds. This research will be applied to the sustainable and efficient late-stage functionalisation of heterocycles found in active pharmaceutical ingredients. In addition to laboratory synthesis, the work is supported by computational studies that provide mechanistic insights and biological tests that determine bioactivity.

Our recent contribution:
Selective Deuteration of N-heterocycles
Adv. Synth. Catal. 2025, 367, e202401585

2. Natural Product Synthesis

Alternative routes to the synthesis of natural products can grant access to novel chemical entities with higher molecular complexity, diversity, and efficiency. Our group is interested in the synthesis of a broad range of complex natural products, including cannabinoids and N-heterocyclic biomolecules.

Our recent contributions:
Total synthesis of (−)-Glycybridin B
Chem. Eur. J. 2025, 31, e02228

Cannabizetol, a Novel Cannabinoid
J. Nat. Prod. 2025, 88, 2451

3. Sustainable chemistry

Sustainable chemistry seeks to develop more efficient routes to chemical products and processes while reducing environmental impact. Our group is investigating the use of Cyrene as a biodegradable alternative to toxic organic solvents, alongside photochemistry and electrochemistry as environmentally benign reaction promoters. In addition, we aim to translate organic synthesis from the laboratory to automated platforms to minimize chemists’ exposure to hazardous reagents.

Our recent contribution:
Synthesis of triazoles using Cyrene
ChemSusChem 2025, 18, e202402538