- Reactions of 1,3-dipolar compounds
- Synthesis of natural products
- Synthesis an chemistry of strained or
otherwise unique carbocyclic systems
- B. S. Queens College (1957)
- Ph.D., University of Wisconsin (1961)
- Postdoctoral Fellow, Purdue University (1962)
- NIH Postdoctoral Fellow, Cornell University (1963)
Dr. Tufariello retains an active interest in chemistry and, of course, the department. He spends his mornings in the department reading journals and reviewing manuscripts, as well as remaining in contact with former students.
He established an endowment in honor of his parents, the Joseph and Louise K. Tufariello Fund, used to present an award at graduation to the outstanding graduating senior as determined by a departmental committee named by the chairman.
Reactions of 1,3-dipolar compounds; synthesis of natural products; organometallic chemistry; synthesis and chemistry of strained or otherwise unique carbocyclic systems.
Our principal research interests are focused in the area of organic synthesis. We are currently exploring the uses of 1,3-dipolar compounds as key intermediates in the synthesis of natural products. Our initial investigations have centered on the use of nitrones in alkaloid synthesis.
More recently, we have directed attention to the preparation of ß-lactams and to the synthesis of terpenoids and other nitrogen-free systems. Nitrone cycloadditions are cyclizations which result in the formation of carbon-carbon and carbon-oxygen bonds. These reactions incorporate considerable regioselectivity and stereoselectivity, and are especially suited to the synthesis of certain natural systems. The alkaloidal and terpenoid systems currently under investigation include several with profound and useful physiological activity.
Additionally, we have interests in the synthesis and reactivity of strained, or otherwise unique, carbocyclic compounds.
Finally, our research has included investigations of new synthetic methods, especially those involving the use of organometallics such as organoborane, organomercury, organolead, and organotitanium reagents.
Selected Recent Publications