معرفی
Martin Smith is a Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Oxford and a fellow at University College, Oxford. He co-directs the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Synthesis for Biology and Medicine. His research focuses on enantioselective catalysis, total synthesis of natural products, and non-covalent interactions in catalysis.
- Undergraduate: University of Oxford
- DPhil: Chemistry of carbohydrate amino acids under Professor George W. J. Fleet (1999/2000)
- Postdoctoral: Pembroke College, Cambridge (2003-2008)
His work on enantioselective electrocyclization and chiral counterion applications has redefined phase transfer catalysis mechanisms. He explores visible light-mediated reactions for sustainable synthesis, including UV/visible light-driven arynes and 6𝝿 heterocyclization. Non-covalent interactions like C—H···O hydrogen bonds are central to catalyst design and structural studies.
Recent publications highlight stereogenic oxygen control, radical-polar crossover reactions, and atropisomer stability protocols. Collaborations with Robert Paton and Jonathan Burton integrate computational modeling with experimental synthesis.
Scientific Awards:
- Royal Society University Research Fellowship
- C&EN Molecules of the Year 2023 (solo molecule with stereogenic oxygen)
He advises DPhil students and offers rotation projects through the Synthesis for Biology and Medicine CDT. His group emphasizes independent funding applications for postdocs.
