Biochemical Reactions and Molecular Recognition Professor Chris Easton

We analyse chemical reactions, particularly those occurring in biochemical systems, in order to develop new synthetic methods and to produce physiologically active compounds with potential as pharmaceuticals.

We are also interested in the assembly of supramolecular systems. We design and synthesise molecules to modify the systems for useful purposes. Our work in this area has already resulted in pharmaceutical formulations that are in everyday clinical use worldwide. This chemistry also has applications in the development of molecular devices such as catalysts, reactors and photochemical and thermal switches.

Current research activities

Amino acid and peptide free radicals and synthesis

We are investigating the free radical reactions involved in the secondary metabolism of amino acids and peptides. The insights gained are being used to develop enzyme inhibitors to regulate the biosynthesis of peptide hormones and treat diseases associated with the over-production of these hormones. We are also designing amino acids for incorporation into peptides to make them resistant to free radical and oxidative degradation. Other results are being applied to develop more efficient methods for synthesising peptides.

Supramolecular chemistry and molecular recognition

We are designing modified cyclodextrins for use as molecular scaffolds for the construction of molecular devices and catalysts. The cyclodextrins are designed to have particular physical properties such as high solubility in aqueous systems, and are tailored to form complexes with specific guest molecules. We are developing molecular reactors to control the outcomes of chemical transformations, to give access to compounds that are otherwise difficult to obtain. Another area being explored is the use of rotaxanes as components of mechanical molecular devices and as the basis of microelectronic circuitry.

Annual Research Report   (PDF format)

Group members

Academic Staff:
Prof Chris Easton (Leader)    |   Lorna Barr   |   Hideki Onagi   |   Dr Ken Robinson   |   Dr Adam Wright

Technical and General Staff:
Anthony Herlt

PhD Students:
  Saara Bowen   |   Alexander Bucham   |   Jeevan Khurana   |   Leonie Chow   |   Marta Cieslinski   |   Ryan Dawson   |   Iris Li   |   Adam Mortimer   |   Amy Philbrook   |   Subashani Maniam   |   Mark Tees   |   Candace Y-C Tsai   |   Zachary Watts

Honours Students:
  Roger Coulson   |   Georgina Statham

Visiting Scholar:
  Thibaut Ackermann

Key publications

1. C. J. Easton, Free Radical Reactions in the Synthesis of α-Amino Acids and Derivatives, Chem. Rev., 97 (1997), 53–82.
2. A. G. Meyer, C. J. Easton, S. F. Lincoln and G. W. Simpson, β-Cyclodextrin as a Scaffold for Supramolecular Chemistry, to Reverse the Regioselectivity of Nitrile Oxide Cycloadditions, J. Org. Chem., 63 (1998), 9069–9075.
3. C. J. Easton and S. F. Lincoln, Modified Cyclodextrins. Scaffolds and Templates for Supramolecular Chemistry, Imperial College Press (1999), 1–293.
4. A. K. Croft, C. J. Easton and L. Radom, Design of Radical-Resistant Amino Acid Residues: A Combined Theoretical and Experimental Investigation, J. Amer. Chem. Soc., 125 (2003), 4119–4124.
5. H. Onagi, C. J. Blake, C. J. Easton and S. F. Lincoln, Installation of a Ratchet Tooth and Pawl to Restrict Rotation in a Cyclodextrin Rotaxane, Chem. Eur. J., 9 (2003), 5978–5988.

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Chris Easton is a graduate of Flinders University and the University of Adelaide. He held positions at Harvard University (1980-1981), the Research School of Chemistry (1982), the University of Canterbury (1983-1986) and the University of Adelaide (1986-1994), before his appointment as a Senior Fellow in the Research School of Chemistry, in 1995. He was awarded a D.Sc. from the University of Adelaide in 1998 and is the recipient of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute Birch Medal for 2000, and the Archilald Ollé Prize for Chemical Literature for 2000. He was promoted to Professor of the Research School of Chemistry in 2001 and Elected, Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science in 2004.

Group web page group photos

Professor C J Easton Research School of Chemistry, Building 35 Australian National University Canberra ACT 0200 AUSTRALIA Ph: +61 2 6125 8201 Fx: +61 2 6125 8114 E-mail: easton@rsc.anu.edu.au