Erik J. Sorensen

Erik J. Sorensen serves as the Arthur Allan Patchett Professor in Organic Chemistry and Professor of Chemistry at Princeton University, leading the Sorensen Group within the Department of Chemistry from the Frick Laboratory. His research program focuses on advancing organic synthesis through innovative methodologies and natural product synthesis.

Professor Sorensen's work centers on architectural self-construction of complex molecules and the development of C-H functionalization techniques. His laboratory embraces risk-taking in synthesis design, inspired by biologically active natural products, and emphasizes student-driven research problem selection. As a collaborator in the NSF-sponsored Center for C-H Functionalization at Emory University, he explores how direct site-selective functionalization of unactivated C-H bonds can transform synthetic planning.

Analysis of his publication record (2009-2014) reveals consistent innovation in total synthesis of bioactive natural products (e.g., jiadifenolide, pleuromutilin, hirsutellone B) and method development, particularly through interrupted Ugi reactions, Diels-Alder cyclizations, and hypervalent iodine chemistry. These efforts frequently target compounds with therapeutic relevance in neuroprotection and antibiotic development.

Professor Sorensen has received significant recognition for his contributions:

• Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award, American Chemical Society (2009)
• Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award (2001)
• Beckman Young Investigator Award (2000)
• Francis Clifford Phillips Lecturer, University of Pittsburgh (2016)
• 1st Gary Walters ‘67 Award for sustained commitment to ‘education through athletics’ (2014)
• 1st Annual Carlos Montezuma Lecturer, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2013)
• Honorary Member of Princeton’s Graduating Class of 2011
• Givaudan/Karrer Distinguished Visiting Professorship, University of Zürich (2007)
• Bristol-Myers Squibb Unrestricted Grant (2004)
• Pfizer Global Research Award (2002)
• Woodward Scholar, Harvard University (2001)

He mentors graduate students in creative research design and execution, fostering deep engagement with chemical literature and historical context. His work has been supported by major industry grants including Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer. The Sorensen Lab maintains active collaborations with the NSF Center for C-H Functionalization and contributes to Princeton’s Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment.