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Jonathan Clayden and his research group work on the construction of molecules with defined shapes, and are particular interested in exploring and exploiting molecular conformation.

The shape of a molecule dictates its function, and understanding conformational effects allows us to make molecules that behave in specific ways. We use the understanding we gain from conformational studies to design and synthesise molecular communication devices that transmit information to remote reactive sites, and to make conformationally-defined molecules (foldamers) that mimic biological function.  We also explore new classes of atropisomers for potential use as chiral ligands.

We have also discovered that the restricted conformation of planar functional groups such as amides and ureas endue them, and their anionic (especially organolithium) derivatives, with remarkable new reactive properties which we make use of in the synthesis of valuable, potentially bioactive and pharmaceutically useful, target molecules.

Jonathan Clayden is the author of the widely used textbook Organic Chemistry (Clayden, Greeves and Warren, 2nd edn. published OUP 2012) and the monograph Organolithiums: Selectivity for Synthesis (published Pergamon, 2002).

Jonathan is also the Director of the Bristol EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Technology-Enhanced Chemical Synthesis.

The Clayden research group are based in the School of Chemistry at the University of Bristol, where they occupy lab space in the Synthetic Chemistry Building. Our research is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and by the European Research Council.  We are associated with the Bristol Centre for Doctoral Training in Technology-Enhanced Chemical Synthesis , with the Centre for Doctoral Training in Catalysis, and with the BrisSynBio Centre for Research in Synthetic Biology.