Dr Chris Smith

Dr Smith's research is directed towards new applications of synthetic chemistry.

The group has a great deal of experience in continuous flow, with a particular interest in photochemistry. This includes FP-HM (Flow Photochemical – Heterocyclic Metamorphosis), providing unusual routes to heterocycles; synthesis of beta-lactams; and new photochemical approaches to natural products such as aphidicolin.

We also work on ligands such as CyMe4-BTPhen for element separations – such as the separation of actinides from lanthindes – which are of importance to the Nuclear Industry for clean-up and recycling.

Finally, in collaboration with Dr Kevin Lovelock we are characterising the speciation zinc reagents such as diethylzinc or phenylzinc bromide (used in Negishi cross coupling), trying understand the reactivity and effect of additives on these important reagents.