Organic Synthesis & Natural Products Group
The Organic Synthesis & Natural Products Group focuses on the design, synthesis, characterization and biological studies of novel compounds from chalcones, flavones, flavonols and Schiff bases using known and/or modified protocols, with a view to discover effective chemotherapeutic agents. The prevalence of antibiotic resistant pathogens has become a global threat to antibiotic chemotherapy, hence our research efforts in the design of effective compounds or molecular scaffolds have been promising. We synthesized 2-carbamoylbenzene-1,5-dicarboxylic acid analogues and evaluated their antibacterial activity on Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
Our projects in organic synthesis engaged the applications of green chemistry principles using reagents and protocols that ensure human safety and environmental sustainability. Microwave-assisted reactions and solvent-free synthesis are adopted techniques in addition to modified traditional synthesis.
Current projects involve:
- Modification and biological evaluation of antibiotics based on the structure of fumaramidmycin- an antibiotic not currently in use due to toxicity or activity concerns. We modify chemical structures to get rid of toxicity and improve biological activity.
- Design and synthesis of organo-metallic complexes and their application as antifungal and anticancer agents based on the success achieved with cisplatin. These compounds can find applications in veterinary medicine and agricultural fields.
- Medicinal chemistry of Nigerian herbal plants through extractions, isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds using the spectroscopic techniques (NMR, FT-IR & UV-vis). Some of these compounds including triterpenoids (1), flavonoids (2) and sesquiterpene lactones (3) have promising indications for drug discovery and development.
