Electrochemical feasibility
Determine whether a difficult oxidation or reduction can be achieved through controlled electrical input.
Partnerships
We work with academic and industrial partners on difficult electrosynthesis problems spanning reaction discovery, mechanism and batch-to-flow translation.
Problems we can help solve
We combine synthetic electrochemistry, electroanalysis, reaction development and flow processing to address defined chemical and process constraints.
Reactive intermediates
Generate unstable or hazardous intermediates only when needed, then consume them within the same controlled sequence.
Mechanistic analysis
Use voltammetry, controlled-potential experiments, spectroscopy, product studies and rapid NMR, GC–MS, LC–MS or headspace analysis to define plausible pathways and operating windows.
Batch-to-flow translation
Translate reactions by controlling electrode area, current density, residence time, mass transfer, heat removal and reactive inventory.
Ways to work together
Academic collaboration
Joint mechanistic, synthetic, analytical or reactor-development projects with research groups offering complementary expertise.
Industrial collaboration
Feasibility assessment, method development, mechanistic investigation, batch-to-flow translation, collaborative doctoral research and funded projects.
Fellowship and network proposals
Co-developed proposals where the scientific question has a strong fit with the group’s established expertise and facilities.
Partnerships in practice
Published collaboration case studies
These examples show how a defined medicinal- or process-chemistry problem can move from reaction design to a published method, including translation from batch to flow where appropriate.
GSK · Process chemistry
eCarbonyls: safer alcohol oxidation for batch and flow
Together with GSK, the group investigated how electrosynthesis could support scalable process chemistry, focusing on oxidation reactions that conventionally rely on hazardous reagents or demanding conditions.
eCarbonyls converts primary and secondary alcohols into aldehydes and ketones at room temperature using a stable thioether mediator. The method was demonstrated in batch and flow, including multigram synthesis, as a safer and process-relevant alternative to classical oxidation.
Published outcome: Chemical Science, 2025.
AstraZeneca · Medicinal and process chemistry
eSpiro: three-dimensional scaffolds with flow potential
Spiroketals provide three-dimensional scaffolds that help medicinal chemists move beyond predominantly flat aromatic structures.
The batch electrosynthesis was developed in the Lam Research Group and then translated to a preliminary flow setup with AstraZeneca Chemical Development in Macclesfield. The study provided proof of concept for batch-to-flow translation while identifying practical process challenges including substrate stability, gas evolution and an in-line solvent change.
Published outcome: Green Chemistry, 2025.
Janssen R&D, Belgium · Discovery chemistry
Direct electrocyanation of N-heterocycles
With Discovery Chemistry at Janssen R&D in Beerse, the group developed a direct C(sp²)–H electrocyanation of aromatic N-heterocycles. The method was demonstrated in batch and flow across drug-like heterocycles and enabled direct cyanation of unprotected N–H indoles, substrates that are particularly challenging under oxidative conditions.
Published outcome: Chemistry – A European Journal, 2022.
Janssen-Cilag, Spain · Discovery chemistry
Rapid three-dimensional functionalisation of N-heterocycles
With Janssen-Cilag in Toledo and the University of Castilla-La Mancha, the group combined anodic generation of aminal intermediates with Lewis-acid-promoted iminium formation and organozinc addition under flow. The two-stage method forms secondary, tertiary and quaternary carbon centres on saturated N-heterocycles and was demonstrated in the derivatisation of peptides and an active pharmaceutical ingredient.
Published outcome: Advanced Synthesis & Catalysis, 2021.
Research support
Selected support and collaboration
Our work has been supported through research funding, industrial collaboration and specialist equipment partnerships.
Research funding
- Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
- Innovate UK
- The Leverhulme Trust
- ACS Petroleum Research Fund
- Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy
European programmes
- Horizon Europe EIC Pathfinder
- Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships
- Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks
Industrial collaboration and sponsorship
- AstraZeneca
- GSK
- Johnson & Johnson and Janssen
Equipment and capability support
- IKA
Discuss a collaboration
Send a brief non-confidential summary of the chemical or process constraint, the target scale, the evidence already available and any timing requirements. Do not include proprietary structures or confidential results in the first message.
Confidentiality, contracting and intellectual-property arrangements are handled through the University’s approved processes after an initial non-confidential discussion.