In our lab targets are chosen from the terpenoids, polyketides, alkaloids as well as from the class of natural products of mixed biosynthetic origin based on the scope for innovation, diversity creation, development of cost-economical synthetic approach. A methodology is first tried to develop to access a model scaffold of the targeted natural product with the scope of diversity creation and then efforts are channelized for the total synthesis. We also aim for collaboration with biologist to evaluate the bioactivity of the molecules which results from the modification of the targeted natural product, which we prefer to refer them as natural product inspired synthetic molecules.
The main focus of our research group is directed towards the development of novel, simple and efficient synthetic solutions for some of the selected biologically active natural products. The limited access to natural products obtained either from marine or terrestrial source through cumbersome isolation process often becomes an obstacle for thorough clinical evaluation and to fully gauge the therapeutic potential of these natural organic molecules. Therefore, accessing natural products through a synthetic route assist not only helps in reconfirming the assigned structure of the natural product but also many folds increase the scope of thorough biological evaluation. Also, from academics perspective natural products syntheses endeavors propels the science of chemical synthesis by providing the necessary fuel for the discovery of new strategies/tactics, stereo- and regioselective reactions, newer reagents and catalyst for the racemic and asymmetric target as well as diversity-oriented synthesis of natural products.