Thorsten Bach

Prof. Thorsten Bach is a distinguished Professor of Organic Chemistry at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), where he leads the Chair of Organic Chemistry I within the TUM School of Natural Sciences. With an academic career spanning over three decades, Bach has established himself as a leading figure in synthetic organic chemistry, particularly in the development of innovative photochemical methods and catalytic transformations. His research group is internationally recognized for pioneering work in enantioselective photochemistry and C-H activation methodologies.

Prof. Bach's educational background includes studies at the University of Heidelberg and the University of Southern California, followed by a doctorate from the University of Marburg in 1991. His postdoctoral work was conducted at Harvard University under the supervision of DA Evans. After completing his habilitation at the University of Münster (1992-1996), he taught at the University of Marburg (1997-2000) before joining TUM in 2000, where he has remained since.

His research interests focus on developing new synthetic methods in organic chemistry, with particular emphasis on photochemical approaches and catalytic reactions including C-H activation, oxidation catalysis, and Lewis acid catalysis. A major thrust of his work involves the enantioselective formation of complex molecules using catalytic approaches based on chiral sensitizers and chiral acids, with visible light serving as the ideal energy source. His group has also made significant contributions to the total synthesis of complex natural products such as GE 2270 A, meloscin, podophyllotoxin, and punctaporonin C.

Prof. Bach's publication record demonstrates a consistent trajectory of high-impact research, with recent work focusing on photochemical deracemization, stereoselective transformations via hydrogen atom transfer, and the development of novel catalytic systems for enantioselective synthesis. His research bridges fundamental photochemical principles with practical synthetic applications, creating new pathways for complex molecule construction.

• Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize of the German Research Foundation (2020)
• Horst Pracejus Prize of the German Chemical Society (2017)
• European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant (2015)
• Degussa Award for Chirality in Chemistry (2006)
• Novartis European Young Investigator Award (2004)

Prof. Bach has trained numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers who have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. His research has been supported by prestigious grants including the ERC Advanced Grant. His laboratory at TUM maintains active collaborations with research groups across Europe and beyond, focusing on interdisciplinary approaches to challenging problems in synthetic methodology and natural product synthesis.

The Bach research group operates state-of-the-art facilities for organic synthesis, photochemistry, and analytical characterization. Their work sits at the intersection of fundamental physical organic chemistry and practical synthetic applications, with particular emphasis on sustainable methodologies that minimize waste and energy consumption. Current research directions include the development of new photocatalytic systems, mechanistic studies of photochemical transformations, and applications of their methodologies to biologically active compounds.