Our group is interested in understanding and utilizing 3-dimensional electronic effects. With regard to the enzyme cofactor biotin, we are interested in the possibility that the sulfur atom in ring-B could modulate the reactivity at N1 of the urea as a result of a conformation dependent thru-bond/thru-space interaction; the proper transition-state conformation being accessed as a result of a binding energy-induced movement of atoms. Our studies involve a combination of MO calculations, design and synthesis of biotin analogues, enzyme inhibition and physical organic studies on the synthesized analogues.

Our interest in electronic effects has taken us into the area of conducting organic polymers. We are currently examining the synthesis of novel polymers that have the potential to superconduct at liquid nitrogen temperature.