Synthesis Core

 

 

The Synthesis Core is responsible for the synthesis, purification and characterization of individual PCB congeners and PCB metabolites required for all research projects. This includes the development of new synthetic approaches for the preparation of PCB derivatives and their characterization by x-ray crystallography (see Figure 1). In addition, the Synthesis Core will provide the Analytical Core with analytical PCB standard mixtures that are based on individual PCB congeners (and not technical Aroclors). These mixtures will significantly contribute to the high quality of the PCB analysis needed by most research proects.

Figure 1
graphic of PCB

Crystal structure of PCB 77 (3, 3’, 4, 4’ -tetrachlorobiphenyl), a dioxin-like PCB congener. (a) Molecular structure of PCB 77 showing the atom-labeling scheme and (b) view of PCB 77 along the C1–C1′ axis illustrating the non-planar conformation of the molecule. Displacement ellipsoids are drawn at the 50% probability level. Unlabeled atoms are at the symmetry position (1 − x;1 − y;z). (Shaikh et al., Chemosphere 2007)

doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2007.07.017

 


Core Leader: Hans-Joachim Lehmler, PhD
Dr. Lehmler is an experienced synthetic organic chemist with seven years ofexperience in the synthesis of polychlorinated biphenyls and their metabolites using the Suzuki coupling. He is currently appointed as Research Scientist in the UI Department of Occupational and Environmental Health. Previously, he was Core Project Co-Leader of a similar Research Support Core of the University of Kentucky Superfund Basic Research Program. As Core Leader he will oversee and coordinate the chemical synthesis and the chemical characterization of synthetic compounds.

Core Co-Leader: Larry W. Robertson, PhD, MPH
Dr. Robertson has over twenty five years of experience in the synthesis of polychlorinated biphenyls, their metabolites and other environmental contaminants. His expertise in the synthesis of individual PCB congeners using the Cadogan and Ullmann coupling as well as the Sandmeyer reaction is an especially important asset for the Synthesis Core.

Technology Transfer efforts
The Synthesis Core has a long history of supporting researchers worldwide (especially from other superfund basic research programs) by providing individual PCB congeners as well as PCB metabolites. The Synthesis Core endeavors to continue this support as part of our research translation efforts and, whenever possible, will make test compounds available to other research programs at no or reduced cost.

Contact
Please e-mail any inquiries relating to the Synthesis Core to Hans-Joachim Lehmler at hans-joachim-lehmler@uiowa.edu.