Synthesis of potential opioids based on the natural Pawhuskins

Abstract

Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less. Marie Curie iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS To begin with, this thesis would not be here today if were not for the inspiration, given to me by my professors at Cal Poly Pomona, to continue my education with graduate school. I am incredibly grateful to have had Dr. David Wiemer as an advisor at the University of Iowa, as I value the considerable amount of knowledge and wisdom that he has bestowed on me during my time in graduate school. I cannot thank him enough for his continuous kindness, encouragement, and his extraordinary level of patience, it is truly admirable. Life in the lab would not have been the same without my fellow lab mates past and present. Thank you to Dr. John Kodet and all the other past students who continued to be of assistance beyond their time in the group. Particular thanks should go to Dr. Alyssa Hartung for her guidance when I started my work in the lab and providing several samples for my pawhuskin research, as well as Dr. Jeffrey Neighbors for testing my compounds and his continued collaboration. I would like to thank Carrie Meyers for her assistance in the lab as an undergraduate researcher. For Dr. Veronica Wills, Dr. Rebekah Shippy, and the current students, I am appreciative of all of your support through the new friendships I have formed and for always being there to help solve problems in the lab. The faculty and staff of the Department of Chemistry have been profoundly helpful and supportive throughout my time here in Iowa. I am very grateful for all that they do and for my fellow students in the department who have helped make my graduate iv school experience that much more enjoyable. I would also like to thank the Roy J. Carver Trust for the financial support that allowed me to spend more time in the lab. This journey would have been more trying if it were not for the relentless support and continued encouragement from my parents and the rest of my family. It was always reassuring to know that they were constantly right behind me, cheering me on. Last, but certainly not least, I want to thank my wonderful husband for his constant encouragement and support. Throughout my years in graduate school, he has always been understanding of all the time I have spent in the lab and on my computer at home; and often found ways to help me dedicate even more time towards research. He is incredibly patient, especially when I talk endlessly about chemistry. I have always enjoyed his take on what I do; even when he constantly reminds me that a geranyl chain resembles a staircase. Thank you, Joe, for being one of my biggest supporters, and always finding ways to bring laughter into every single one of my days.