Synthetic Organic Chemistry · Florida State University
Melchior
Lab
A research group dedicated to the synthesis of complex molecules and the development of new synthetic methodologies — advancing science for medicinal and agricultural applications, supported by the National Institutes of Health.
8
Publications
10+
Years Research
3
Institutions
“To the field of synthetic chemistry belongs an array of responsibilities which are crucial for the future of mankind, not only with regard to the health and needs of our society, but also for the attainment of a deep understanding of matter.”
— Elias J. Corey, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry
What We Do
Research Areas
Complex Molecule Synthesis
Nature-inspired organic synthesis targeting pharmacologically active compounds, with development of new synthetic methodologies and novel reagents.
Medicinal Chemistry
Design of novel chemical entities for neurodegenerative diseases and neuropsychiatric disorders — including Alzheimer’s disease and depression — grounded in medicinal chemistry and drug design.
Enantioselective Methodology
Development of enantioselective palladium-catalyzed methodologies, including the Heck–Matsuda reaction, for the synthesis of complex chiral scaffolds.
Recent Updates
Latest News
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New paper in J. Org. Chem. — Heck-Matsuda/Carbonylation/Stille
Enantioselective synthesis of 3,3-disubstituted-2,3-dihydrobenzofurans published in J. Org. Chem. 2025, 90, 26.
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Second paper in Adv. Synth. Catal. — Enantioselective Heck-Matsuda from anilines
Second-generation one-pot enantioselective Heck-Matsuda arylations directly from anilines and nitroarenes.
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Luiz Paulo joins FSU as Postdoctoral Scholar (NIH-funded)
After defending his Ph.D. at IQ/UNICAMP, Luiz Paulo begins postdoctoral research at SmithLab, FSU, supervised by Prof. Joel M. Smith.
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Best Poster Award at 18th BMOS 2022
Best poster presentation award at the 18th Brazilian Meeting on Organic Synthesis (Tiradentes, MG).