Synthetic and heterocyclic chemistry
Organic methodology, scaffold construction, functionalisation and the synthesis of valuable molecular architectures.
Explore synthetic chemistryBaxendale Group · Department of Chemistry · Durham University
Advanced synthetic chemistry, engineered for scale
Building on an international record in organic synthesis, route design, process chemistry, continuous flow and automation, the Baxendale Group is shaping the next phase of technology-enabled molecule and process development.
Research programme update- 01Route designRetrosynthesis and molecular strategy
- 02Process developmentKinetics, selectivity, safety and optimisation
- 03Technology and scaleFlow, automation, analytics and translation
Programme update
Preparing the next phase
Following a period focused primarily on teaching and education, the group is developing the next phase of its research programme.
Discussions are welcomed with academic and industrial collaborators, fellowship candidates and prospective researchers who have identified a credible external funding route.
Research expertise
Chemistry and technology designed together
Deep synthetic insight is combined with process understanding, reaction engineering and automation to solve difficult molecule-making problems.
Route design and process chemistry
Retrosynthetic planning, route selection, optimisation, telescoping, safety and translation to useful scale.
Explore process chemistryFlow chemistry and reaction engineering
Continuous processing, multiphase reactions, challenging chemistry, thermal control and bespoke reactor systems.
Explore flow engineeringAutomation and analytics
Automated experimentation, sampling, reaction monitoring, analytical integration and reproducible process data.
Explore automationSelected contributions
Research with practical consequence
A thematic view of established contributions across synthetic chemistry, process development, continuous flow and enabling technology.
Abstract
This example demonstrates how a defined continuous-flow reactor stage can provide controlled reaction conditions, a short residence time and practical product formation across a representative substrate series. The final verified publication abstract will replace this foundation text when the publication database is connected.
Continuous flow · Process chemistry
Flow-enabled synthesis with controlled reaction conditions
Representative contribution from the group publication archive
This example shows how reaction engineering can be designed around the underlying chemistry.
Generate and consume reactive intermediates safely
Use confined inventories and controlled residence times to reduce risk while opening valuable synthetic pathways.
Move from a viable reaction to a robust process
Combine retrosynthesis, optimisation and process understanding to improve efficiency and transferability.
Build the apparatus required by the chemistry
Develop bespoke reactors, sampling systems and integrated workflows around the scientific problem.
Capabilities
From molecular strategy to process translation
Retrosynthetic route designOrganic and heterocyclic synthesisBatch-to-flow translationMultiphase processingAutomated samplingInline and online analysisPhotochemistryBespoke reactor development
Future programme
A clear distinction between record, direction and opportunity
The next programme will be developed around strong scientific questions and practical value, not activity for its own sake.
Established expertise
Demonstrated capability
Organic synthesis, route design, process development, continuous flow, automation and reactor technology.
Under development
Next research directions
Integrated route selection, data-rich experimentation and scalable technology-enabled synthesis.
Seeking collaboration
Partners and funding
Joint proposals, externally funded researchers, fellowships, industrial challenges and technology partnerships.
People and network
An international research community
The group’s record includes doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, visiting scientists, undergraduate researchers, academic collaborators and industrial partners from across the world.
Explore the networkResearchersDoctoral, postdoctoral, master’s and undergraduate
VisitorsInternational academic and industrial placements
CollaboratorsAcademic, industrial and technology relationships
Work with the group
Two clear routes to engage
Academic and industrial partners
Develop a substantive collaboration
Discuss synthetic challenges, joint proposals, process development, technology evaluation, co-funded research or fellowship hosting.
Discuss a research ideaProspective researchers
Funding-supported enquiries
There are no group-funded vacancies. Enquiries are welcomed from candidates with an identified scholarship, fellowship, sponsorship or private funding route.
Read the application guidance