Eric Nelson, Chemistry and Biochemistry

I was awarded the Research and Creative Work Scholarship for the winter semester of 1994 based on my proposal to synthesize a novel organic compound for testing and publication in conjunction with the research group of Dr. Jerald Bradshaw in the Chemistry Department. The Compound as described in my proposal was a proton ionizable pyridono macrocycle based on the general pattern of 18 crown-6. In addition to normal functionalities, it was proposed that a carboxylic acid substituent on the large ring would increase complexation with certain metal cations. The synthesis included with my proposal consisted of two parts. The first was the proton ionizable pyridono group with 2,6-ditosyl substituents. The second was a poly glycol with the carboxylic acid attached. Complications arose in the second synthesis procedure, and as interests had evolved by this point, it was abandoned. The first part was successfully completed, but low yields resulted in insufficient amounts for successful continuation of the procedure. In other words, I ran into a dead end.

Undaunted, I am currently engaged in a complementary line of work, synthesizing another macrocycle of a similar pattern for analysis and subsequent publication. This project has been my baptism by fire into synthetic organic chemistry, and I have been working steadily on the project for over a year now. The research funds provided by BYU were used to give myself a small salary (at significantly below the minimum wage-just don’t tell the government).

In April, I presented my results-to-date at the undergraduate research conference here at BYU, and won top honors in my section. This chance, as well as the countless other learning experiences that I derived (and am deriving) from my project were made possible by the generous support I received from BYU.