David C. Forbes

David C. Forbes is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of South Alabama's Department of Chemistry, part of the College of Arts and Sciences. His research integrates synthetic organic chemistry with asymmetric catalysis to develop stereoselective methodologies for creating biologically relevant chiral molecules. He emphasizes undergraduate involvement in exploring catalytic systems and medicinal compound synthesis.

Education:

• B.S. in Chemistry, University of Florida (1989)
• Ph.D. in Chemistry, University of Illinois (1996)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, Trinity University (1997)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Arizona (1998)

His research focuses on asymmetric catalysis, synthetic methodology development, and stereoselective construction of medicinally significant compounds—particularly chiral molecules with biological relevance. A signature theme is chirality-focused synthesis blending basic and applied research.

Recent publications (2018–2025) demonstrate strong emphasis on:

• Metal-catalyzed reactions (Rh, Cu) for cyclopropanation and carbenoid transfers
• Sulfoxonium ylide applications in heterocycle synthesis
• Protein phosphatase inhibitor design and structural analysis
• Innovative reagent systems (e.g., vinyl carbenoids, non-diazo precursors)

No scientific awards or formal student advisees are mentioned in available materials. His lab involves undergraduate researchers in projects spanning synthetic methodology and medicinal chemistry.