The Denton’ s research group uses microwave (MW) technology in organic synthesis and extraction methods.  Our  research applies microwave-assisted 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions to make heterocyclic molecules, specifically isoxazolines and isoxazolidines.  These nitrogen-containing heterocycles are suitable precursors to several natural and synthetic products with interesting biological and pharmacological properties.   

Currently, we are exploring expeditious methods for synthesizing diacylglycerol (DAG) lactones.  These lactones are potent activators of various protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms.  Protein Kinase C is a family of serine/threonine kinases that are key signaling molecules involved in signal transduction that regulate cell growth, cell death, differentiation, and motility. They  are promising therapeutic targets for cancer, dementia, HIV, AIDS, and multiple other disorders.  

Dr. Denton’s research interest also focused on using MW to extract organophosphate pesticides in fruits and grains from the local groceries within Crown Heights and neighboring communities of Brooklyn, NY.

Most Recent Publications:

1. Taqarrub, H; Spencer, D.; Denton. R. W. "Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Trimyristin from Nutmeg using Ethanol: A Greener Approach for the Undergraduate Organic Chemistry Laboratory." World Journal of Organic Chemistry, 2023, 11(2), 17-20.

2. “Microwave-assisted synthesis of isoxazolines: Preparation of bioactive amino -g- lactone-2-carboxylic acids.,” Sumner, R.; A.; Andromeda, X; Merrer, D. C.; Denton, R. W., Synlett 2021; 32(17), 1735-1740.

3. Kempf, A.; Singh, J.; Merrer, D. C.; Denton R. W. “A facile synthesis of 4-substituted glutamate derivative via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of dimethyl-2-methylene glutarate and nitrone derived (-)-menthone,” Heterocycles, 2020, 100, 241-252.

4. Rahman, P; Glanzer, A.; Singh, J.; Wachter, N.M; Rhoad, J.; Denton, R. W., “Solvent Effects on the [3+2] Cycloaddition of 2-Furfural Oxime and Ethyl Propiolate: Unexpected Change in Regioselectivity,” World Journal of Organic Chemistry, 2017, 5, 6-10.