Courses
Organic Chemistry II, Advanced Organic Synthesis

Research Interests
Our group's research efforts range from total synthesis of bioactive natural products to asymmetric catalysis. In summary, we are interested both in devising effective strategies for synthesizing complex molecules and in designing simple molecules possessing desired chemical properties.
One of the most fascinating aspects of biosynthetic transformations is the rapid increase in structural complexity. The ease with which living organisms convert simple building blocks into a diverse range of intricately complex natural products has always appealed to synthetic chemists. This does not mean, of course, that closely mimicking the biosynthesis of a given natural product will necessarily lead to the optimal strategy for its synthesis in vitro. Nature's plan is best viewed not as the blueprint, but rather as a starting point for human creativity.  

Selected Publications:

• Birman, V. B.; Jiang, H. " Kinetic Resolution of Alcohols Using a 1,2-Dihydroimidazo[1,2-a]quinoline Enantioselective Acylation Catalyst" Org. Lett. 2005, 7, 3445-3447.
• Birman, V. B.; Li, X.; Jiang, H.; Uffman, E. W. " Influence of Electronic and Steric Factors on 2,3-Dihydroimidazo[1,2a]pyridine-Based Enantioselective Acylation Catalysts" Tetrahedron (Symposium-in-Print on Organocatalysis) 2006, 62, 285-294.
• Birman, V. B.; Li, X. " Benzotetramisole: A Remarkably Enantioselective Acyl Transfer Catalyst" Org. Lett. 2006, 8, 1351.
• Birman, V. B.; Jiang, H.; Guo, L.; Li, X.; Uffman, E. W. "Kinetic Resolution of 2-Oxazolidinones via Catalytic, Enantioselective N-Acylation" J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2006, 128, 6536.
• Birman, V. B.; Guo, L.; "Kinetic Resolution of Propargylic Alcohols Catalyzed by Benzotetramisole" Org. Lett. ASAP