Research in the Garg Laboratory challenges long-standing paradigms of reactivity, ultimately leading to the development of new methods and strategies for use in organic synthesis.   

Our methodological interests lie primarily in three main areas:

(a) transition metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of unconventional electrophiles,
such as esters and amides, using non-precious metal catalysis, and bench stable preparations of catalysts (see TCI website).

(b) new tactics to synthesize functionalized heterocycles, including ‘interrupted Fischer
indolization’ cascades and the manipulation of cyclic alkynes and allenes (see Aldrich Professor Portal).

(c) total synthesis of complex small molecules, such as drugs and natural products.

We also enjoy the opportunity to collaborate in areas such as natural product biosynthesis, green chemistry, solar cell technologies, medicinal chemistry, and studies of fundamental reactivity.  

Check out the scrolling images above to get a glimpse of some of our current research efforts!