Natural Products as Inspiration

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Our Philosophy

In our team, we are always fascinated by the amazing ability of nature to build complexity. Natural products are just a good start to think, observe, and learn! But are not only that:  The synthesis of natural products is way to challenge our boundaries of knowledge, to challenge our personal abilities, to overpass ourselves and gain the superpower of self-confidence! Come in our group and shape your new personality!

Our targets have been carefully selected to be complex for total synthesis-and this is our choice, because between the synthetic hurdles shines the invention. It is not always about the total synthesis but rather about gaining new knowledge and revealing how nature works. So please don’t be disappointed, the ‘way to Ithaka’ will always be the treasure!

Priorities

  1. Organic chemistry is a way of thinking. Be prepared to change the way of your thinking!
  2. Keep working hard and keep your eyes always open. The answers are always close.
  3. PhDs are collaborators not just workers. Lab is building personality not just scientists!
  4. Teach students to think by themselves. Don’t just educate them but inspire them!

About Prof. Alexandros Zografos

Positions

2024-Today

Professor

Department of Chemistry
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

2019-2024

Associate Professor

Department of Chemistry
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

2019

Visiting Professor

Department of Chemistry
Stanford University, USA

2013-2019

Assistant Professor

Department of Chemistry
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

2008

Visiting Professor

Department of Chemistry
Columbia University, USA

2008-2013

Lecturer

Department of Chemistry
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

2007-2008

Senior Researcher

NSCR Demokritos Institute, Greece

Education

2006-2007

Postdoctoral Studies

with Prof. Scott Snyder
Columbia University, USA

2005-2006

Postdoctoral Studies

with Prof. D. Georgiadis
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece

2003-2004

Postdoctoral Studies

with Prof. Phil S. Baran
The Scripps Research Institute, USA

2001

Doctor of Philosophy

in Organic Chemistry
National Technical University of Athens, Greece
Advisor: Prof. Olga Igglessi-Markopoulou

1996

Bachelor of Science

in Chemistry
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece

Selected Publications

Publications from our group can be categorized in three main axes:

  • Divergent total synthesis of natural products
  • Biomimetic C-H activation
  • Medicinal chemistry
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Short total synthesis of sceptrin

J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2004, 126, 3726
P. Baran, A. Zografos, D. O’Malley
Publisher's website
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Rapid access to the tricyclic core of abyssomicins

Org. Lett. 2005, 7, 4515
A. Zografos A. Yiotakis, D. Georgiadis
Publisher's website
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The mechanism of vinyl cyclobutane rearrangement of sceptrin to ageliferin and nagelamide E

Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2006, 45, 4126
P. Northrop, D. O´Malley, A. Zografos, P. Baran, K. Houk
Publisher's website

Honors & Awards

I am especially honored to receive some prestigious awards along my career. These are dedicated to the long list of passionate students that support me throughout my years at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki!

2024

Award for Excellence in Teaching

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Faculty of Sciences

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2019

Fulbright Award

Visiting Scholar Award for Stanford University

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2018

Academy of Athens Award

Hildegrad Award for Organic Chemistry

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