Organic

Organic research includes the invention of new reactions as well as investigations at the interface of organic chemistry with biology, medicine, materials science, and nanotechnology. Specific areas of interest include the development of new catalytic processes and methods for continuous flow synthesis, the design and synthesis of macromolecules, and the total synthesis of bioactive natural products.

Two graduate students talk about their research in a lab.

Related News

Professor Jeremiah Johnson smiles in a hallway.

Johnson Awarded Yosemite-American Cancer Society Grant

The Yosemite-American Cancer Society Award grantees are developing research projects to advance the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.

Johnson wins 2025 Carl S. Marvel Award for Creative Polymer Chemistry

This award recognizes accomplishments and/or innovation of unusual merit in the field of basic or applied polymer science by younger scientists.

MIT chemists explain why dinosaur collagen may have survived for millions of years

The researchers identified an atomic-level interaction that prevents peptide bonds from being broken down by water.

Engineering proteins to treat cancer

PhD student Oscar Molina seeks new ways to assemble proteins into targeted cancer therapies, while encouraging his fellow first-generation graduate students.

Professor Tim Swager smiles in front of a map.

Swager wins 2025 Arthur C. Cope Award from the American Chemical Society

The ACS National Awards encourage the advancement of chemistry in all its branches, support research endeavors, and promote the careers of chemists.

The four participants of the 2024 Future Faculty Symposium smile in front of a green glass sculptural installation of the periodic table of elements.

Department of Chemistry hosts the Third Annual Future Faculty Symposium

The event showcased the research of early-career scientists who are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM.

Photo-collage shows a large molecule over an aerial photo of New Calendonia. On the left are five Psychotria leaves in a vertical line.

MIT chemists synthesize plant-derived molecules that hold potential as pharmaceuticals

Large multi-ring-containing molecules known as oligocyclotryptamines have never been produced in the lab until now.

Robert Gilliard smiles in an outdoor setting.

Robert Gilliard wins 2024 Cottrell SEED Award

This competitive prize supports members of the Cottrell Scholar community in high-impact research activities.