Pramod R. Chopade, PhD. Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Department of Mathematics and Science. Coker faculty member since 2007. Ph.D. Chemistry, Texas Tech University, 2004; M.Sc. Chemistry, Shivaji University, India, 1999.

Office: Science Building 205
Office Hours:
Phone: 843-383-8090
Email: pchopade@coker.edu

Courses (Spring 2010):  see course folders and schedule
General chemistry II (CHE 102)
Organic Chemistry II (CHE 352)
Organic Chemistry II laboratory (CHE 352L)
General Chemistry II laboratory (CHE 102L)
Research in Chemistry (CHE 490)

Research Interests
The primary goal of an organic chemist is to develop novel, efficient, and cost-effective reactions for synthesis of compounds with significant biological, pharmaceutical, and material applications. It is also important to understand their mechanisms so that these reactions (and reagents) are broadly applicable.

Microwave-Assisted Synthetic Reactions
At Coker College, we are focused on developing microwave-assisted reactions for the synthesis of vital organic compounds such as di-aziridines and di-imines. There is a strong precedence for the use of microwaves in organic synthesis of aziridines and imines. We have expanded the use of microwaves to the synthesis of α-diimines by using a variety of aliphatic and aromatic primary amines as well as diverse α-dicarbonyl compounds. Our methodology provided better or comparable yields after 30 seconds of microwave irradiation compared to 24 hours of stirring.

We have also developed a successful microwave-assisted reaction methodology to synthesize diimines using diamines and monoaldehydes (in lieu of dialdehydes). These reactions provide a series of bolaamphiphilic compounds with polar imine groups at both ends and non-polar alkyl chains at the center. These reactions are especially significant because (a) they provide a variety of diimines with varying lengths capable of acting as bolaamphiphiles, (b) the reactions are completed within minutes rather than hours, and (c) the imine functionality generated in these reactions is readily converted into diverse functional groups.

Our research group is also working with samarium iodide and developing new enantioselective reactions using tartarate and lactate derivatives as ligands.    
We are also involved in a collaborative study of secondary metabolites of Fusarium graminaerum, with Professor Joe Flaherty, a biologist at Coker College.  Fusarium graminaerum is a plant pathogen that causes root rot in maize, wheat and barley resulting in damages to the agricultural economy on the scale of billions of dollars annually. One estimate is 3 billion dollars annually as reported by Priest and Campbellin Brewing Microbiology, 3rd edition.( ISBN 0-306-47288-0). Our research group utilizes a Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (GCMS) in the structure elucidation of mycotoxins released by wild and mutant varieties of Fusarium fungal pathogens. A study of these secondary metabolites (mycotoxins) in this fungal pathogen will enhance our understanding of its growth and conidiation (formation of spores) patterns, and could potentially lead to its control and eradication. This research is highly significant since it directly affects the agricultural industry in the United States.

Selected Awards and Recognitions
Excellence in Teaching-2006, South Asian Student Association (SASA), Texas Tech University, Lubbock TX.
Professing Excellence Award-2005, Texas Tech University Success Center and Department of Housing and Residence Life, Texas Tech University, Lubbock TX
Professor of the Semester - Fall 2005, Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society, Texas Tech University, Lubbock TX.
Prof. A. C. Uthale Gold Medal-1999 from Shivaji University, Kolhapur-416003, India
Prof. V. Pandu Ranga Rao Memorial Young Scientist Award-1998, Indian Chemical Society, Calcutta, India.
Shivaji University Merit Scholarship, Shivaji University, Kolhapur-416003, India 

Selected Scientific Publications
Chopade, P. R.; Prasad, E.; Flowers, R. A., II. The Role of Proton Donors in SmI2-Mediated Ketone Reduction: New Mechanistic Insights, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2004, 126, 44.

Chopade, P. R.; Davis, T. A.; Prasad, E.; Flowers, R. A., II. Solvent-Dependent Diastereoselectivities in Reduction of b–Hydroxyketones by SmI2, Org. Lett. 2004, 6(16), 2685.

Davis, T. A.; Chopade, P. R.; Hilmersson, G.; Flowers, R. A., II. Reduction of b–Hydroxyketones by SmI2/H2O/Amine, Org. Lett. 2005, 7(1), 119.

Chopade, P. R.; Louie, J. [2+2+2] Cycloaddition Reactions Catalyzed by Transition Metal Catalysts’ Adv. Syn.Cat. 2006, 348, 2253-2539. (Included in 50 most cited publications -2006)

Zhang, K.; Chopade, P. R.; Louie, J. Coupling of Vinyl Aziridines and Isocyanates Tetrahedron Letters 2008, 49, 4306-4309. 

Chopade, P. R.; Flowers, R. A, II Chelation and Coordination Effects in SmI2-Mediated Reduction of β-alkoxyketones,  manuscript in preparation.

Work Experience
Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Utah,   5/2006 – 6/2007
Instructor and Organic Lab Coordinator, Texas Tech University, 8/2004 – 5/2006
Postdoctoral Fellow, Texas Tech University, 5/2005 – 8/2005