Gregory K. Friestad

Gregory K. Friestad is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Iowa. He holds a PhD from the University of Oregon and a BS from Bradley University. His research bridges synthetic organic chemistry and medicinal applications, focusing on developing novel methodologies for efficient carbon-carbon bond formation.

Friestad's research interests center on asymmetric synthesis, radical reactions, and natural product synthesis. His group develops innovative strategies using organometallic chemistry (particularly manganese-mediated reactions) and photoredox catalysis to construct complex molecules. Key areas include:

• Design of chiral N-acylhydrazone acceptors for stereoselective additions
• Mn-mediated radical cyclizations and annulations
• Synthesis of bioactive natural products (tubulysins, tetrafibricin)
• Development of photoredox catalytic methods for amine synthesis
• Configuration-encoded polyol assembly strategies

His publication trends show consistent focus on radical reaction methodologies (40% of recent papers), natural product synthesis (30%), and asymmetric catalysis (20%), with applications toward medicinally relevant compounds like tubulysin anticancer agents and quinine analogues.

He has received notable scientific recognition including:

• NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship (University of Pennsylvania, 1995-1998)
• JSPS Fellowship (Kobe Pharmaceutical University, 2003)

Friestad leads the Friestad Research Group where he trains graduate students in advanced synthetic techniques. Alumni hold positions in pharmaceutical companies and academia. His laboratory utilizes NMR, HPLC, and high-resolution mass spectrometry facilities at the University of Iowa's Chemistry Building.