ORGANIC SYNTHESIS/MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY RESEARCH GROUP
DEPARTMENT OF PURE AND INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY
CONCEPT/JUSTIFICATION:
From the traditional applications of phenothiazines and phenoxazines as dyes and pigments, these compounds have gained prominent place in medicines as pharmacologically lead structures. In addition, sulphonamides were the first efficient antibiotic drug employed systematically for the prevention and cure of bacterial infections. Recent reviews and reports had demonstrated that various synthesized derivatives of phenothiazines, phenoxazines and sulphonamides exhibited promising antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, analgesic, immunosuppressive, anti-malaria activities amongst other properties. Natural products have always being the starting point of any drug discovery and as such remains a focal point in medicinal chemistry research.
The vast medicinal applications of phenothiazines, phenothiazines and sulphonamides have prompted unprecedented exploratory modification of the parent structure via organic synthesis with a view of synthesizing novel derivatives with improved or new biological activities. Moreover, the growing incidence of microbial resistance to currently used antibiotics represents a serious health problem. There is, therefore, need to develop new classes of therapeutic agents to combat microbial infections and other health challenges.
Research Focus:
- Applications of classical and modern organic synthetic methodologies in the synthesis and functionalization/derivatization of novel phenothiazine, phenoxazine and sulphonamide motifs.
- Structure activity relationship studies of newly synthesized derivatives.
- Isolation, purification, structural elucidation and total synthesis of bioactive components from plant material
Research topics:
- Synthesis of new complex phenothiazines and phenoxazines.
- Functionalization/Derivatization of known phenothiazines and phenoxazines ring system via transition metal catalyzed tandem reactions.
- Structural activity relationship study of functionalized/derivatized phenothiazine ring system
- Structural activity relationship study of functionalized/derivatized phenoxazine ring system
- Synthesis and structural activity relationship studies of sulphonamide derivatives
- Synthesis and structural activity relationship studies of sulphonamide derivatives of anarcadic acid from cashew nut shell liquid
- Synthesis and structural activity relationship studies of polyfunctional sulphonamide derivatives of phenoxazines and phenothiazines
- Isolation and purification of bioactive components from plant materials
- Structural elucidation of bioactive components from plant materials
- Total synthesis of novel bioactive components from plant materials
COMPOSITION:
Coordinator: Prof. U C Okoro email: uchechukwu.okoro@unn.edu.ng
MEMBERS:
Dr. B. E. Ezema email: benjamin.ezema@unn.edu.ng
Dr. (Mrs.) M. A. Ezeokonkwo email: mercy.ezeokonkwo@unn.edu.ng
Dr. E. A. Onoabedje email: efeturi.onoabedje@unn.edu.ng
Mrs. F. U. Eze email: florence.ali@unn.edu.ng
Mr. D. I. Ugwu email: izuchukwu.ugwu@unn.edu.ng
Mrs. F. N. Ibeanu email: ibeanungozi@gmail.com
Mr. J. I. Ayogu email: jude.ayogu@unn.edu.ng
Mrs. C. P. Uzoewulu email: chiamaka.obimma@unn.edu.ng
CURRICULUM VITAE
BIO DATA
NAME: Okoro, Uchechukwu Chris DATE OF BIRTH: 12th October, 1956
State of Origin: Enugu L. G. A OF ORIGIN: Aninri
NATIONALITY: Nigerian MARITAL STATUS: Married
PERMANENT HOME ADDRESS : No 13B Ekwedike Avenue, Ndeaboh, Aninri LGA
CONTACT ADDRESS: Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
PHONE NUMBER: 08038995403
EMAIL ADDRESS: uchechukwu.okoro@unn.edu.ng
QUALIFICATIONS: B. Sc (Chem) Unilag, 1983, Ph.D ( Oganic Chemistry) Nig. 1989
EMPLOYMENT STATUS
Employer: University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Rank: Professor
Area of Specialization: Synthetic Organic and Materials Chemistry
Research Interest: Synthesis of Biologically Active Compounds.Our group focuses on the synthesis of linear phenothiazine and phenoxazine compounds of pharmaceutical interest. Both base and acid catalyzed coupling reactions are employed in the synthesis of these compounds from readily available starting materials. Often synthesis involves creative manipulation of organic heterocyclic precursors. Synthesis and application of active herbicides are also undertaken in this direction. We also focus on the synthesis and characterization of polycyclic angular phenothiazines that are deep coloured compounds. Often we are interested in molecular modifications of the angular systems to produce analogues capable of absorbing light in the region between 700-900nm in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum which makes these compounds applicable as laser dyes. Reactions employed here include base catalyzed coupling under anhydrous media as well as transition metal catalyzed coupling reactions typified by Suzuki- Miyaura, Mizoroki-Heck and Buchwald-Hartwig methodologies etc. Our mode of operation also involves green chemistry methodologies e.g solvent free reactions under microwave irradiations and in ionic liquids.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
- Fellow Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN)
- Fellow Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria (ICCON)
- Member New York Academy of Science
PUBLICATIONS:
- A U Ofoefule, U C Okoro and O D Onukwuli, Biogas Production from Waste By-product of Ethanol Production: 2, Effect of Batch co-digestion with Some Animal and Plant Wastes on Biogas Production, Int. J. Current Res, 4(11), 86-91, (2012)
- A U Ofoefule, U C Okoro, C N Ibeto and OD Onukwuli, Biodiesel Production from Tigernut (Cypenis esculartus) oil and Characterization of its Blend with Petro-diesel, Physical Review and Research Intl. 3(2), 145-153, (2013)
- A U Ofoefule, U C Okoro , O D Onukwuli and C. N. Anyanwu, Biogas Production from Waste By-product of Ethanol Production: 3, Modeling of Gas Yield with Time, Physical Review and Research Intl. 3 (1), 18-27. (2013).
4.Ugwu, D. I and Okoro, U. C (2014) Synthesis, Characterisation and Antifungal activities of [4- methylphenyl sulphonamide]-N-(pyridin-2-yl)acetamide derivatives, Medicinal Chemistry, 4, 330-333.
- Ozoh, C.F, Okoro, U.C and Ugwu, D.I (2014) Synthesis and Antimicrobial activities of N-(heteroaryl substituted)-p-toluene sulphonamide, Organic Chemistry International, 2014, doi:10.1155/2014/748257
- Ugwu David I and Okoro Uchechukwu C (2014) Synthesis, Characterisation and Evaluation for Antibacterial Activities of N-Pyridin-2-yl Substituted-p-Toluene Sulphonamoyl Ethanamides, Int. J. Sci. Res. 3(9), 35-38.
- Ugwu DI, Okoro UC, Chukwurah TD (2014) Nickel Catalyzed Synthesis of N-aryl and N-heteroaryl Substituted Benzene Sulphonamides and their Biological Activity Evaluation. Med Chem. 4:357-360.
CURRICULUM VITAE
BIO-DATA
NAME: EZEMA, BENJAMIN EBERE DATE OF BIRTH: 26th OCTOBER 1968
STATE OF ORIGIN: ENUGU L G. A: NSUKKA
NATIONALITY: NIGERIA MARITAL STATUS: MARRIED
PERMANENT HOME ADDRESS: Central School Edem Ani, Nsukka
CONTACT ADDRESS: Department of Pure & Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
E-Mail: eberechy2007@yahoo.com benjamin.ezema@unn.edu.ng
Mobile no. +2348066072738
QUALIFICATIONS: B.Sc (Chem) Nig., 1995; M.Sc (Organic Chem) Nig., 1999; Ph.D (Organic Chem) Nig., 2009.
EMPLOYMENT STATUS:
Employer: University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Rank: Senior Lecturer Area of Specialization: Organic Chemistry
Professional Affiliation: MCSN, MICCON
Research Skills: ORGANIC CHEMISTRY (SYNTHESIS)
Synthesis of angular and complex structures of benzophenothiazines and benzophenoxazines compounds of industrial importance. Functionalization for the preparation of the benzophenothiazine and benzophenoxazine derivatives via catalytic protocols of pharmaceutical importance:
PUBLICATIONS:
- 1. E. O. Adekola, B.E. Ezema, J.I. Ayogu, D.I. Ugwu, C.G. Ezema, P. N. Abuekwu. C.O. Ike, (2014), Synthesis of Benzothiazinophenothiazine Derivatives and Their Antimicrobial Screening, Oriental Journal of Chemistry, vol. 30, No.4, 1-8.
- 2. D.I. Ugwu, B.E. Ezema, F.U. Eze, D.I. Ugwuja, (2014), Synthesis and Structural Activity Relationship Study of Antitubercular Carboxamides, International Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, vol. 2014, 1-17.
- 3. B. E. Ezema; C.G. Ezema; David I. Ugwu; Jude I. Ayogu, (2014), Synthesis of Heterocyclic Azo Dyes from Quinolin-8-ol, Chemistry and Material Research, Vol. 6, No.9. 1-6.
- 4. B. E. Ezema; L. E. S. Akpaisi; C. G. Ezema; A. E. Onoabedje, (2014), A new method of Dimroth rearrangement in fused triazole[1,5-d]-1,2,4-triazine, Journal of heterocyclic chemistry.
- 5. B.E. Ezema; C.G. Ezema; A.E. Onoabedje; D.I. Ugwu. (2013), Synthesis of a new and the first triazadibenzo[a,n]triphenodithiazine, Chemical and Process Engineering
Research, Vol. 8, 35-41
CURRICULUM VITAE
BIO-DATA
NAME: Ezeokonkwo, Mercy Amarachukwu DATE OF BIRTH: 9/05/64
STATE OF ORIGIN: Anambara L. G. A. OF ORIGIN: Aguata
NATIONALITY: Nigerian MARITAL STATUS: MARRIED
MAIDEN NAME: Nnabugwu
PERMANENT HOME ADDRESS: Ezeotakwu Ward, Ikenga, Aguata LGA; Anambra State
CONTACT ADDRESS: Department of Pure & Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
PHONE NUMBER: 08035486024
E-mail ADDRESS: mercy.ezeokokwo@unn.edu.ng ; mercy.ezeokonkwo@yahoo.com
QUALIFICATIONS: N. C. E. (Bio/Chem) Alva Ikoku , Owerri,1988; B.Sc (Chem) Unical, 1995;
M.Sc (Organic Chem) Nig., 1999; Ph.D (Organic Chem) Nig., 2010.
EMPLOYMENT STATUS:
Employer: University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Rank: Senior Lecturer AREA OF SPECIALIZATION: Organic Chemistry
RESEARCH INTEREST: Synthetic Organic Chemistry; Synthesis, Characterization and Biological activity of functionalized Phenothiazines and Phenoxazines; Synthesis and Structure activity Relationship of Heterocyclic Compounds including Sulphonamides, Imidazoles and Thiozoles; Extraction, Isolation and Phytochemical Studies of Active agents in plants of Pharmaceutical and Industrial interest.
PROFESSIONAL AFFLIATIONS
(i) Member, Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN) (CSN/ENU/06/010) 2006
(ii) Member, Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria (ICCON) (ICC NO 1/3/07/0778) 2007
PUBLICATIONS:
- A. Ezeokonkwo, F. O. Ugwuona1 and I.C. Ugwu (2015), (Accepted for publication), “Synthesis and Antibacterial Studies of Some Alkynylated Benzo[a]phenoxazin-5-one and 1,4-Naphthoquinone Derivatives, Asian J. Chem.
- A. EZUGWU, M. A. EZEOKONKWO, F. O UGWUONA, I. C. UGWU,(2015), (In press), Palladium-catalyzed sonogashira snythesis of alkynylated derivatives of quinoline-5,8-
dione and their antimicrobial activity, J. Organic Synthesis.
U.C. Okoro, M. A. Ezeokonkwo, E. A. Ujah and R. C. Nweloke (2015), (In press), Synthesis of highly functionalized angular azaphenoxazines and related benzo analogues via suzuki-miyaura cross-coupling reaction, Indian J. Chem.
- C. Okoro, M. A. Nnnabugwu, and C. A. Nwadinigwe (2008); Synthesis of some new diaza-analogues of angular phenothiazine as stable cyclic quinoneimines; International Journal of Chemistry, 18 (4), 171-180.
- A. Nnabugwu, U. C. Okoro, C. A. Nwadinigwe and L. E. S. Akpanisi (2011), Synthesis of 1,9,11-triaza phenothiazine derivatives; International Journal of Chemistry, 21 (3), 201-206.
- A. Ezeokonkwo and U. C. Okoro (2012); New Dyes for petroleum products; Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences, 3 (1), 8-11.
CURRICULUM VITAE
BIO DATA
Name: ONOABEDJE Efeturi Abraham Date of Birth: 11/01/78
State of Origin: Delta L. G. A.: Ughelli North
Nationality: Nigerian Marital Status: Single
Permanent home Address: 7 Okpagha Street, Oteri-Ughelli.
Contact Address: Dept. Pure & Ind. Chemistry, UNN.
Cell Phone Numbers: +2348037295871, +2348079644945
E-mail Address: efeturi.onoabedje@unn.edu.ng
QUALIFICATIONS: BSc (Hons), 2004; MSc, 2008 & Ph.D, 2014 ( Nigeria)
EMPLOYMENT STATUS
Employer: University of Nigeria, Nsukka Rank: Lecturer II
AREA OF SPECIALIZATION: Organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry
RESEARCH INTEREST: Organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry
- Utility of metal catalyzed synthetic methodologies in functionalization/derivatization of phenoxazine and phenothiazine motifs.
- Study of structural activity relationship of newly synthesized phenoxazine and phenothiazine derivatives.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATION: Member of chemical society of Nigeria (MCSN).
AWARDS: PTDF scholar 2012 – 2013
PUBLICATIONS:
- U.C.Okoro, E.A. Onoabedje & E.M. Odim,The First Angular Triazaphenothiazine and Related Diaza-Analogue and their Anilino Derivatives, Inter. Jour. of Chemistry, Vol 19 No. 4 Pp. 197-210,2009.
- E. A. Onoabedje, B. E. Ezema and S. A. Egu, Synthesis of a Diaza Benzophenothiazine Ring System and its Anilino-Derivatives, Inter. Jour. of Chemistry, Vol 22 No. 2 Pp. 197-210, 2012.
Curriculum Vitae
Name: Eze Florence Uchenna Date of birth: 18th February, 1983
State of origin: Enugu LGA: Igboeze-North
Nationality: Nigerian Marital status: married
Permanent home address: St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Umachi, Enugu-Ezike
Contact address: Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Phone Number: +2348068074457
Email: florence.ali@unn.edu.ng
Qualifications: B.Sc. (Nig.) Pure and Industrial Chemistry 2008, M.Sc. (Nig.) Organic Chemistry 2013
Employment status:
Employer: University of Nigeria, Nsukka Rank: Lecturer II
Area of Specialization: Organic Chemistry
Research Interest: Synthesis of functionalized phenoxazines, phenothiazine and sulphonamides of pharmacological importance. The chemistry of natural products with special interest in anti-tuberculosis
Selected Publications:
Ugwu, D. I., Ezema, B. E., Eze, F. U., Ayogu, J. I., Ezema, C. G. and Ugwuja, D. I. (2014) Synthesis and Biological Applications of Hydroxamates American Journal of Organic Chemistry, 2014, 4(2), 26-51.
- I. Ugwu, B. E. Ezema, F. U. Eze and D. I. Ugwuja, (2014) Synthesis and Structural Activity Relationship Study of Antitubercular Carboxamides, International Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, Article ID 614808, 18 pages doi.org/10.1155/2014/614808
Ugwu, DI, Ezema, BE, Eze, FU, Onoabedje, EA, Ezema, CG, Ekoh, OC, Ayogu, JI (2015) Synthesis and Antimalarial Activities of Chalcone Derivatives, Int. J. ChemTech Res. 7 (4) 1966-1984
Curriculum Vitae
Name: Ugwu, David Izuchukwu Date of birth: 24th June, 1983
State of origin: Enugu LGA: Udenu
Nationality: Nigerian Marital status: single
Permanent home address: All Saints Catholic Church, Ezimo Udenu
Contact address: Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Phone Number: +2347060870918, +2348112016672
Email: izuchukwu.ugwu@unn.edu.ng
Qualifications: National Diploma in Science Laboratory Technology 2006; B.Sc. (Nig.) Pure and Industrial Chemistry 2010; M.Sc. (Nig.) Organic Chemistry 2014
Employment status:
Employer: University of Nigeria, Nsukka Rank: Assistant Lecturer
Area of Specialization: Organic Chemistry
Research Interest: Synthetic bioorganic medicinal chemistry: Synthesis of functionalized sulphonamides, chalcones, phenoxazines, phenothiazines and hydroxamates of pharmacological importance.
Selected Publications:
Ezema, BE, Ezema, CG, Onoabedje, EA and Ugwu, DI Synthesis of a new and first triazadibenzo[a,n]triphenodithiazine, Chemical and Process Engineering Research, 8, 35-41, 2013.
Onoabedje, EA, Ezema, BE, Ezema, CG and Ugwu, DI Synthesis of some derivatives of benzophenithiazinone of pharmaceutical interestvia nickel catalyzed Grignard couplings, Chemical and Process Engineering Research, 8, 6-11, 2013.
Ugwu, DI and Okoro, UC Synthesis, Characterisation and Antifungal activities of [4- methylphenyl sulphonamide]-N-(pyridin-2-yl) acetamide derivatives, Medicinal Chemistry, 4, 330-333, 2014.
Ozoh, CF, Okoro, UC and Ugwu, DI Synthesis and Antimicrobial activities of N-(heteroaryl substituted)-p-toluene sulphonamide, Organic Chemistry International, 2014, 2014.
Ugwu DI and Okoro UC Synthesis, Characterisation and Evaluation for Antibacterial Activities of N-Pyridin-2-yl Substituted-p-Toluene Sulphonamoyl Ethanamides, Int. J. Sci. Res. 3(9), 35-38, 2014.
CURRICULUM VITAE
BIO-DATA
NAME: Ibeanu, Fidelia Ngozi DATE OF BIRTH: 3rd February, 1965
STATE OF ORIGIN: Anambra L.G.A. OF ORIGIN: Anaocha
NATIONALITY: Nigerian MARITAL STATUS: Married
PERMANENT HOME ADDRESS: St Peter’s Catholic church, Adazi-Ani, Anaocha L.G.A.
CONTACT ADDRESS: Natural Science Unit, School of General Studies, U.N.N.
PHONE NUMBER: 08062385748, 07053821689, 08188385914
EMAIL ADDRESS: ibeanungozi@gmail.com
QUALIFICATIONS: M.Sc (Organic chemistry), 1998; Postgraduate Diploma in Education 1988; B.Sc. (Hons) Pure Chemistry, 1986
EMPLOYMENT STATUS:
EMPLOYER: University of Nigeria RANK: Lecturer I
AREA OF SPECIALIZATION: Heterocyclic and Colour Chemistry
RESEARCH INTEREST:
- synthesis, characterization and Biological Screening of angular Phenothiazines and Phenoxazines
- The Utility of Buchwald-Hartwig and Mizoroki-Heck Cross-Coupling reactions in the synthesis of angular aza-phenothiazine and phenoxazine derivatives: Characterization and Biological Screening.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATION: Member, Chemical Society of Nigeria
PUBLICATIONS:
An Alternative Synthesis of Para Red (4-Nitrobenzene-azo-2-naphthol)
CURRICULUM VITAE
BIO-DATA
Name: Ayogu, Jude Ikechukwu Date of Birth: 20th June, 1986
State of Origin: Enugu L.G.A: Igbo-Eze South
Nationality: Nigeria Marital Status: Single
Permanent Home Address: 65D Nsukka Road Ibagwa-Aka, Igbo-Eze South L.G.A., Enugu State.
Contact Address: Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University Of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State,
Phone Number: +2348060542419
E-mail Address: jude.ayogu@unn.edu.ng
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION: BSc (Hons) Nig. 2011
EMPLOYMENT STATUS:
Employer: University of Nigeria, Nsukka Rank: Graduate Assistant
AREA OF SPECIALIZATION: Organic Chemistry
RESEARCH INTEREST: Organic Synthesis, Catalysis, Medicinal Chemistry and Natural Product Chemistry.
PUBLICATIONS:
Emmanuel O. Adekola, Benjamin E Ezema, Jude I. Ayogu, David I. Ugwu, Chidimma G. Ezema , Abuekwu P. Nwasi & Christian O. Ike (2014).Synthesis of Benzothiazinophenothiazine Derivatives and their Antimicrobial Screening, Oriental Journal of Chemistry, 30 (4): 1493-1500.
Benjamin E. Ezema, Chidimma G. Ezema, David I. Ugwu, Jude. I. Ayogu (2014). Synthsis of Hetercyclic Azo Dyes from Quinolin-8-ol, Chemistry and Materials Research, 6 (9).
David I. Ugwu, Benjamin E. Ezema, Florence U. Eze, Jude I. Ayogu, Chidimma G. Ezema, Daniel I. Ugwuja (2014). Synthesis and Biological Applications of Hydroxamates, American Journal of Organic Chemistry, 4 (2): 26-51.
Ugwu, David I.; Ezema, Benjamin E.; Eze, Florence U.; Onoabedj, Efeturi, A.; Ezema, Chidimma G.; Ekoh, Ogechi C.; Ayogu, Jude I. (2014-2015). Synthesis and Antimalarial Activities of Chalcone Derivatives, Int. J. ChemTech Res., 7 (4):1966-1984.
CURRICULUM VITAE
BIO-DATA
NAME: Uzoewulu Chiamaka Peace DATE OF BIRTH: 3rd February, 1991
STATE OF ORIGIN: Anambra L.G.A: Nnewi-North
NATIONALITY: Nigeria MARITAL STATUS: Married
PERMANENT HOME ADDRESS:
CONTACT ADDRESS: Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Enugu State.
PHONE NO: 07038694243
E-MAIL: chiamaka.obimma@unn.edu.ng
QUALIFICATIONS: B.Sc (Hons) Nig. 2012
EMPLOYMENT STATUS
Employer: University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Rank: Graduate Assistant
Area of Specialization: Organic Chemistry
Research Interest: Chemistry of Natural products, Organic Synthesis.
PUBLICATIONS
J N Ogbonna, B E Ezema, C P obimma, M O Agbo, Phytochemical Properties of Methanol Extract and Antimicrobial Study of Less Polar Fraction of Loranthus Micranthus (Linn.) parasitic on Alstonia Boonei, The Pharma Innovation journal., 2013 vol 2,8, 83-88.