Pedersen Group - Organic Synthesis

The Pedersen Group is interested in a wide range of organic chemistry, has a long history within synthesis and is specialised in carbohydrate chemistry. The group develops new methods for attaching carbohydrates to proteins and works with natural product synthesis, including catalytic and self-promoted stereoselective methods.

Total synthesis of glycoconjugates from bacteria has been a main interest for the past years. The group has succeeded in synthesising lipoteichoic acids from S. pneumoniae and C. difficile, as well as derivatives thereof. Besides the challenge of synthesising these very complex amphiphilic molecules, an additional goal is to elucidate the biological functions of microbial carbohydrates. The group works closely with biologists, immunologists and medical doctors to understand the biological role of these molecules.

Carbohydrate chemistry is a central research area in the group. With the extensive use of carbohydrates in total syntheses and biomass conversion, the group has a natural interest in understanding these molecules. A particular focus is the stereoselective synthesis of mixed acetals, such as in glycosylations. The influence of conformation, protecting groups and reaction conditions on reactivity and selectivity is of continuous interest. The group’s research has so far led to the development of new areas in carbohydrate chemistry, including C-H activation, super-armed glycosyl donors and Si-sugars.

The group also works with biomass conversion. With increasing concerns about access to cheap oil and its environmental consequences, conversion of waste biomass has gained increased attention. The group is particularly interested in finding methods to convert carbohydrate-based biomass into platform chemicals and biofuels. The group uses its knowledge from carbohydrate chemistry to study ways to exploit these resources in new and more effective ways.

Research output from the University of Copenhage

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Projects in the group may involve the development of new methods for glycosylations or the synthesis of value-added compounds from biomass-related compounds.

The project descriptions also mention medicinal chemistry, including work on male contraceptives. Some projects are carried out in collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry or with research groups at Rigshospitalet, Aalborg University and DTU.