Tim Donohoe

Tim Donohoe is a Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Oxford, affiliated with Magdalen College. His research focuses on developing new catalytic reactions, particularly hydrogen borrowing catalysis, dearomatization, and metathesis processes, with applications in natural products synthesis. His group includes ten DPhil students and four postdoctoral researchers, working on projects such as quaternary stereocentre formation, isoquinoline alkylation, and cyclopropane synthesis. The group utilizes advanced facilities in the Chemistry Research Laboratory (CRL).

Research Interests:

• Hydrogen borrowing catalysis for C-C bond formation
• Catalytic dearomatization of heteroarenes
• Development of novel synthetic methodologies
• Total synthesis of biologically active natural products

Key Recent Work: Recent publications emphasize asymmetric alkylation, oxidative rearomatization, and functional group-tolerant reactions, with a focus on expanding the scope of hydrogen borrowing systems. The group's work intersects with medicinal chemistry, supported by pharmaceutical industry collaborations.

Laboratory Activities: The Donohoe Group operates within the CRL, emphasizing problem-solving sessions and literature discussion. Current projects explore rhodium-catalyzed methylation, iridium-mediated hydride shifts, and HFIP solvent applications in alcohol-based alkylations.