Synthesis:  My main interests are small molecules with complicated structures that require efficient and creative methods to synthesize them.  Patulin I (below) is an example.  It has two fused rings with every carbon atom oxidized, making it a challenging target.

Toxicology:  The purpose of this research is to help establish the relationship between chemical structure and carcinogenesis.  I study how PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) attached to DNA change its conformation and cause mutations leading to carcinogenesis.  More general studies that relate chemical structure to organ toxicity are also part of this research.

Green Chemistry:  I’m looking into ways of generating starting materials for synthetic organic chemistry from biomass as opposed to petroleum and how to run reactions in water as opposed to organic solvents.

For more information. contact Dr. Mariella Passarelli