Our research
efforts have been directed towards the development of
new methodology for the synthesis of quinones and the
study of rearrangement reactions of substituted quinones.
Quinones constitute a class of compounds with important
biological and industrial applications. The quinonoid
system occurs widely in nature. We are interested
in the total synthesis of physiologically active quinones
and in the exploitation of quinones as intermediates
in the synthesis of more complex molecules with theoretical
or biological significance. Emphasis is on the
discovery of new reactions, and the application of rational
mechanistic precedents to problems in quinone chemistry.
Results from our laboratory have revealed
synthetic routes to the diacylmethyl-substituted quinone-hydroquinone
system. The spectral properties and chelating possibilities
of such compounds are areas of current interest.
The incorporation of such species in various types of
polymers may provide materials with useful properties.
The electrochemistry and base-induced rearrangement
of these compounds are further problems to be investigated.
We are also interested in the application
of computers in chemistry education. Multimedia
based materials are being developed for teaching general
and organic chemistry. Utilizing the Web to enhance
chemistry education is an area of active involvement.
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