Brian M. Stoltz

Brian M. Stoltz is the Victor and Elizabeth Atkins Professor of Chemistry at the California Institute of Technology and an Investigator with the Heritage Medical Research Institute. He joined Caltech as an Assistant Professor in 2000, was promoted to Associate Professor in 2006, and became a full Professor in 2007. He previously held the Bowles Professorship from 2007-2012 and served as Executive Officer from 2010-2012.

Dr. Stoltz received his B.A. and B.S. from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1993, followed by an M.A. from Yale University in 1996, and completed his Ph.D. in 1997. He has maintained a highly productive research program focused on organic synthetic chemistry, serving as Editor-in-Chief of the Tetrahedron journals.

His research centers on the development and implementation of new strategies for preparing structurally complex molecules. The Stoltz Group employs complex natural product structures to guide research and inspire creative approaches to molecular construction challenges. His work spans total synthesis, methods development, enantioselective catalysis, experimental and computational mechanistic investigations, structure determination methods, heterocyclic chemistry, transition metal catalysis, medicinal chemistry, atmospheric chemistry, and sensor development.

Analysis of recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on asymmetric catalysis, particularly using palladium, nickel, and molybdenum catalysts to create complex molecular architectures with precise stereochemical control. Key research areas include the formation of challenging quaternary carbon centers, spirocyclization reactions, and the total synthesis of complex natural products like Ineleganolide and Hypersampsone M. The group has made significant contributions to methodology development, including novel Petasis-type reactions and Mannich reactions.

• Victor and Elizabeth Atkins Professor of Chemistry
• Investigator, Heritage Medical Research Institute
• Editor-in-Chief of Tetrahedron journals
• NSF GRFP award recognition for advisees

Professor Stoltz actively mentors students and postdocs, with recent successes including NSF GRFP awards for undergraduate researchers. He has advised numerous students who have gone on to publish significant work in top journals including JACS and Angewandte Chemie. His teaching includes graduate courses Ch 149 (Tutorial in Organic Chemistry) and Ch 242 ab (Chemical Synthesis), where he focuses on synthetic problem-solving and modern reaction strategies. The Stoltz Group maintains a vibrant research environment with ongoing projects spanning multiple areas of synthetic organic chemistry.