[ TU-Braunschweig ] [ Fakultät für Lebenswissenschaften ] [ Organische Chemie ]
Our group is interested in Natural Product Chemistry with a focus on Chemical Ecology, that is the understanding of the function of natural products in their original systems. The research area covers the identification and isolation of compounds, their synthesis, and studies on their biosynthesis in the living organism. Most work is done in close cooperation with biologists on specific systems.
A main focus is research on extracellular signalling compounds, e. g. pheromones, quorum-sensing compounds, defensive compounds, or molecules used in multitrophic interactions, which are mediated by complex mixtures of components. Furthermore, chemical methods which can be advantageously applied in this area are developed. Some current research areas are listed below.

Identification and synthesis of biologically active natural compounds, especially compounds mediating inter- and intraspecies interactions of arthropods, plants, reptiles and bacteria (semiochemicals). 
Chemical Ecology.
Stereoselective synthesis.
Development of microreactions useful for structure elucidation of compounds in complex mixtures.
Investigations of volatiles released by microorganisms 
New methods for the analysis of stereogenic centers in low functionalized compounds