The National Science Foundation (NSF) granted Dr. Filippo Romiti  $678,600 through its CAREER program for his research project on the Innovative Strategies for the Synthesis of Unexplored Complex Bisindole Heterodimeric Alkaloids.  

While complex heterodimeric bisindole alkaloids are known to display superior bioactivity compared to their monomeric constituents, their total syntheses are rare. Dr. Romiti’s project will develop novel catalytic transformations to synthesize molecules such as kopsoffine, pleiomutine, bisleuconothines, angustifonines, and criophylline for the first time.

The objective for this research project is to improve approaches for making complex molecules while teaching undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral scholars. The projected outcomes of this research project will include exploring new chemical strategies, research tools for expansion, and will contribute to the field of Chemistry and Biochemistry.