Ryan Gilmour

Ryan Gilmour is a University Professor in the Organic Chemistry Institute at the University of Münster, where he leads the Gilmour Group: Molecular Design. His research focuses on the strategic utilization of stereoelectronic and electrostatic effects to predictably control molecular topology, with particular emphasis on enantioselective organocatalysis, preparative glycochemistry and carbohydrate mimesis, physical organic chemistry, photocatalysis, and chemical biology. He is actively involved in the Cells in Motion research cluster and the Multiscale Imaging Centre at the University of Münster.

Professor Gilmour's research program centers on molecular design with a specific focus on fluorine chemistry and its applications. His group has developed innovative methodologies in organocatalysis, photocatalysis, and stereoselective synthesis. A key theme throughout his work is the strategic use of stereoelectronic effects, particularly the fluorine gauche effect, to control molecular conformation and reactivity. His research spans from fundamental physical organic chemistry to applications in chemical biology, medicinal chemistry, and molecular imaging. The Gilmour Group has made significant contributions to the fields of organofluorine chemistry, glycochemistry, and energy transfer catalysis.

His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on developing new catalytic methodologies for stereoselective synthesis, with particular emphasis on photocatalysis, iodine(I/III) catalysis, and energy transfer processes. The group has pioneered approaches for fluorination, difluorination, and the synthesis of fluorinated bioisosteres with applications in medicinal chemistry and molecular imaging. Their work on carbohydrate chemistry has led to innovative methods for glycosylation and the development of fluorinated carbohydrate analogs for biological studies and potential therapeutic applications.

• SYNTHESIS Best Paper Award 2021 for 'An I(I)/I(III) Catalysis Route to the Heptafluoroisopropyl Group: A Privileged Module in Contemporary Agrochemistry'
• University of Münster research prize for contributions to organic chemistry

Professor Gilmour's group maintains active collaborations across multiple disciplines, with publications spanning chemistry, chemical biology, and medical imaging. His work has been highlighted in numerous high-impact journals including Nature, Science, Nature Chemistry, and Journal of the American Chemical Society. The group's research has significant implications for drug discovery, molecular imaging, and the fundamental understanding of stereoelectronic effects in organic molecules.