• Introduction / Research Philosophy

  Prof. Clement Osei Akoto’s research program is primarily focused on the discovery and development of novel strategies for the total synthesis of biologically significant natural and synthetic products. His work integrates fundamental principles of chemistry with applied research, aiming to design molecules with therapeutic potential across a wide spectrum of diseases. Central to his approach is the interplay between structure-activity relationship (SAR) and structure-property relationship (SPR), providing a foundation for rational design and optimization of chemical compounds.

  The research program is structured to accommodate diverse student interests and strengths, leveraging departmental and university facilities to train the next generation of scientists while advancing high-impact chemical research.

Core Research Areas

1. Discovery and Total Synthesis of Biologically Active Compounds

Prof. Osei Akoto’s group engages in the design, development, and total synthesis of natural and synthetic products targeting diseases such as cancer, HIV, viral infections, microbial diseases, pain, inflammation, malaria, tuberculosis, and diabetes. The research involves extraction, isolation, purification, structural elucidation, biological screening, and chemical synthesis, providing an end-to-end approach from concept to compound evaluation.

2. Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry

This research area focuses on the application of chemical synthesis and analysis to therapeutic development, in collaboration with departments of pharmacy, agriculture, and medicine. The work encompasses both disease-targeted drug discovery and training and mentorship, fostering multidisciplinary engagement to generate impactful research for the university, national healthcare priorities, and potentially global applications.

3. Organometallic Chemistry

The program emphasizes Pd-catalyzed coupling reactions (Suzuki, Stille, Sonogashira, Buchwald), Negishi organozinc couplings, and other transition-metal-mediated transformations. These methods are employed to synthesize compounds of medicinal significance, providing a robust platform for the construction of complex molecular architectures.

4. Proteins, Peptides, Amino Acids, and Carbohydrate Chemistry

Research in this area explores biologically active molecules, focusing on the synthesis, modification, and characterization of proteins, peptides, amino acids, and carbohydrates. This work underpins investigations into molecular recognition, bioactivity, and therapeutic potential.

5. Reaction Discovery, Development, and Methodology

Prof. Osei Akoto’s group develops novel synthetic methodologies and reaction schemes, creating generalizable frameworks for the synthesis of target molecules. This area enhances the chemical toolkit available for medicinal and pharmaceutical research, providing innovative solutions to complex synthetic challenges.

6. Phytochemistry and Natural Product Research

The phytochemistry program encompasses extraction, isolation, purification, identification, and characterization of biologically active compounds from medicinal plants, marine, and soil-derived natural products. The research emphasizes compounds of pharmaceutical and therapeutic significance, integrating chemical, biological, and analytical approaches.

7. Spectroscopy and Analytical Techniques

Students and researchers gain in-depth training in NMR, MS, FT-IR, X-ray crystallography, UV-VIS spectroscopy, TLC techniques, HPLC (analytical and preparative), elemental analysis (EA), and optical rotation measurements. This expertise ensures accurate structural characterization and analytical rigor across all research areas.

Applications and Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Prof. Osei Akoto’s research program is inherently multidisciplinary, bridging chemistry, pharmacy, medicine, and agriculture. The work has direct applications in drug discovery, medicinal chemistry, and biochemistry, and is designed to foster collaborative projects that address complex health and environmental challenges.

Opportunities for Collaboration and Graduate Research

The research group actively welcomes collaborations and partnerships with both local and international institutions. Postgraduate students and researchers are encouraged to join the program, engaging in cutting-edge projects that span synthetic, medicinal, organometallic, and natural product chemistry. Through these opportunities, students gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to translational research in high-impact areas of chemical science.