My research group centers on the development of new synthetic methodologies and their application to the total synthesis of natural products.  At the moment we are exploring monocondensation reactions of the bisphosphonate of acetone (1), which have not been previously reported.  While sequential monocondensation reactions will allow access to acyclic dienones (2), a more intriguing application for the bisphosphonate is in the construction of polycyclic compounds with an a-alkylidenyl-b-oxocyclopentyl moiety (4) from cycloalkanones.  After the optimization and definition of the scope of these reactions, we plan to apply this methodology to the total synthesis of biologically active natural products such as the stelletins.  We are just beginning our research this year (a very exciting time!), and the group at the moment consists of two undergraduate students and myself.  While I have been successful in securing some internal grants, initial external funding from sources such as the Research Corporation are being actively pursued.   Feel free to stop by my office or email me for further information.