University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign · ChemistryCatalyst Innovations Lab
Maria Christina White · Champaign, Illinois
Research Focus
Dr. Maria Christina White's lab at the University of Illinois focuses on developing new chemical reactions that can modify complex molecules in efficient ways. By designing advanced metal catalysts, the team aims to enable late-stage functionalization in drug discovery, allowing for direct changes to drug structures without lengthy synthesis. This research is important for speeding up the creation of new therapeutics and exploring natural products as potential drug candidates.
C(sp3)-H functionalizationmetal catalystsdrug discoverylate-stage functionalizationnatural products
Research Aims
5AIM 01Develop new metal catalysts for selective C(sp3)-H functionalizations.
AIM 02Explore late-stage functionalization techniques to simplify drug synthesis.
AIM 03Innovate methods for asymmetric alkylation and amination in complex molecules.
AIM 04Enhance the selectivity of chemical reactions involving therapeutic candidates.
AIM 05Investigate the role of electronic and steric factors in C(sp3)-H bond activation.
Skills the Lab Values
catalyst developmentorganic synthesischromatographyNMR spectroscopymass spectrometry
Output against the department
Publications134bottom 32% of dept.147th of 216
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations13ktop 39% of dept.85th of 216
this lab
most citedleast cited
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