Project Description: |
MYCOSPORINE LIKE COMPOUNDS Mycosporines are natural products derived from dihydropyrogallols and amino acids. Marine organisms and plants are known to use these molecules for protection from harmful UV radiation. The UV activity of mycosporines could be further enhanced if an aromatic group can be incorporated into the structure. In this synthetic organic chemistry project the students will learn how to make complex molecules from simply building blocks, known chemical transformations and readily available recyclable reagents. In the summer of 2008 several aromatic mycosporine-like compounds were prepared. The UV absorbance of one of these was measured to be at least three times stronger than the commercial sunscreen avobenzone.
Summer research students are expected to work 10 40-hour weeks and our dates would fall within the 'official' chemistry department research program dates (usually mid-May until the end of July).
Attendance of department events is mandatory. Examples of these are weekly seminars, research lunches, research poster day and preparation of a poster presentation, oral seminar and abstract. You are also expected to attend and present at regular group meetings and submit a report at the end of the 10 week period. There will be group social events to make the summer fun! I look forward to receiving your application!
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