Dr. Tyler McQuade

The McQuade Group’s overarching goal is a more complete understanding of chemical systems. We approach this goal by 1) creating new chemical systems that combine multiple catalysts to synthesize a desired compound in a single chemical operation and 2) creating small molecules designed to control natural biosynthetic systems (otherwise known as nature’s own multicatalyst systems).

These two approaches converge in our latest research focus: using multi-catalytic systems to design drugs that inhibit natural multicatalyst systems. One example of this synergy is our recent discovery of an antibiotic combination that provides excellent activity towards the bacteria which cause neonatal meningitis. Students who participate in McQuade Group research will not only learn to synthesize compounds but will also apply those compounds to important applications with the potential to benefit both public health and the chemical industry. Synthesis in the McQuade Group is dominated by the development of new catalytic reactions. In some cases, we combine two or more catalysts in a single reaction vessel to perform complex tandem reactions.

We also perform complex synthesis by using microfluidic devices. These outstanding tools - imported from chemical engineering - allow ultrafast mixing, rapid heat transfer, and enable multistep synthesis without purification. Experiment by experiment, we challenge ourselves to make every route we generate as green as possible. The push towards green chemistry drives many of today’s chemical innovations, and the McQuade Group is proud to be an active partner in that movement.