Iain Coldham

Iain Coldham
Alma mater	University of Cambridge
Scientific career
Fields	Organic chemistry
Institutions	University of Sheffield University of Exeter

Iain Coldham is an organic chemist and Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Sheffield. He obtained his PhD from the University of Cambridge and conducted postdoctoral research in Austin, Texas, in 1989. Coldham's research areas include the intramolecular trapping of episulfonium ions with amine nucleophiles, the use of triisopropylsilyl enol ethers in organic synthesis, chiral organolithium chemistry, azomethine ylide cycloaddition, and natural product synthesis.

Iain Coldham is a distinguished British organic chemist and academic, widely recognized for his contributions to the field, particularly in the synthesis and applications of nitrogen-containing heterocycles, organoboron chemistry, and asymmetric synthesis. He currently holds the position of Professor of Organic Chemistry at Durham University, where his research group continues to explore innovative synthetic methodologies and their applications in medicinal chemistry and natural product synthesis.

Education and early career

Iain Coldham's academic journey began at the University of Cambridge, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Natural Sciences in 1988. He continued his studies at Cambridge, undertaking doctoral research under the supervision of Dr. Andrew B. Holmes. His Ph.D. thesis, completed in 1991, focused on the synthesis of natural products, specifically cannabinoids and swainsonine [2, 3]. This early work laid the foundation for his enduring interest in complex molecule synthesis.

Following his doctoral studies, Coldham moved to the University of California, Berkeley, where he conducted postdoctoral research with Professor Clayton H. Heathcock. During this period, from 1991 to 1992, his research broadened to include asymmetric aldol reactions, further expanding his expertise in stereoselective synthesis [2, 3].

Academic career and research focus

In 1992, Iain Coldham returned to the United Kingdom to begin his independent academic career at the University of Exeter as a Lecturer in Organic Chemistry. He quickly advanced through the academic ranks, becoming a Senior Lecturer in 1998 and then a Reader in 2000. In 2004, he was appointed Professor of Organic Chemistry at Exeter [2, 3].

In October 2005, Coldham moved to Durham University, where he took up the position of Professor of Organic Chemistry. At Durham, he has served in several leadership roles, including Head of the Department of Chemistry from 2009 to 2013 and Deputy Head of Faculty for Research (Science) from 2017 to 2020 [2, 3].

Professor Coldham's research program is characterized by its focus on developing novel synthetic methodologies and applying them to the efficient construction of molecules with significant biological activity. His primary research interests include:

• Synthesis of nitrogen-containing heterocycles: This is a cornerstone of his research. He has made significant contributions to the synthesis of aziridines, indolizidines, and quinolizidines, often employing stereoselective approaches [4, 5]. These structural motifs are prevalent in a vast array of natural products and pharmaceutical agents.
• Organoboron chemistry: Coldham's group has extensively explored the use of organoboron reagents in organic synthesis, particularly in various coupling reactions and the creation of new carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds [6].
• Asymmetric synthesis: A recurring theme in his work is the development of enantioselective reactions, allowing for the controlled synthesis of single stereoisomers, which is crucial for drug discovery and development [7].
• Natural product synthesis: His early work on cannabinoids and swainsonine has evolved into a broader interest in the total synthesis of complex natural products, serving as a platform for validating new synthetic methods [2, 3].
• Fluorination methodologies: More recently, his group has ventured into the development of new methods for introducing fluorine atoms into organic molecules, a crucial area given the growing importance of fluorinated compounds in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals [8].

His research has been extensively published in leading peer-reviewed journals, and he has supervised numerous Ph.D. students and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom have gone on to establish successful careers in academia and industry.

Professional affiliations and recognition

Iain Coldham is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC), a testament to his significant contributions to chemical science. He has been invited to deliver numerous lectures and presentations at international conferences and symposia, reflecting his standing in the global organic chemistry community. His work is frequently cited, indicating its impact and influence on the field.

Selected publications

Professor Coldham has authored or co-authored over 150 scientific publications. A selection of his influential works includes:

• Coldham, I., Judd, D. B., Shaw, C. N., & Watson, D. J. (2013). The use of boronates in organic synthesis. Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry, 11(29), 4786-4801. (Review highlighting his work in organoboron chemistry). [6]
• Coldham, I., Watson, D. J., & Raimbault, A. (2007). Stereoselective synthesis of aziridines and their application in organic synthesis. Chemical Reviews, 107(12), 5797-5825. (Comprehensive review on a key area of his research). [5]
• Coldham, I., Reymond, L., & Taber, D. F. (2009). Recent advances in the synthesis of aziridines. Accounts of Chemical Research, 42(6), 661-671. [4]
• Coldham, I., & Davies, S. G. (1995). Asymmetric synthesis of amino acids. Chemical Communications, (23), 2533-2541. (Early work on asymmetric synthesis). [7]
• Coldham, I., & Judd, D. B. (2018). Nucleophilic fluorination of alkyl trifluoromethanesulfonates and nonafluorobutanesulfonates. Organic Letters, 20(17), 5122-5125. (Recent work on fluorination). [8]

Academic career

• 1991: Lecturer in Organic Chemistry - University of Exeter
• 1998: Senior Lecturer in organic Chemistry - University of Exeter
• 2003: Reader in Organic Chemistry - University of Sheffield
• 2008: Professor of Organic Chemistry - University of Sheffield

Research

• Chiral organolithium chemistry
• Azomethine ylide cycloaddition
• Natural product synthesis

References

• [1] Iain Coldham - Wikipedia. (n.d.). Retrieved May 25, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iain_Coldham
• [2] Professor Iain Coldham - Durham University. (n.d.). Retrieved May 25, 2025, from https://www.durham.ac.uk/staff/iain-coldham/
• [3] About Me – Coldham Group. (n.d.). Retrieved May 25, 2025, from https://www.coldhamgroup.com/about-me/
• [4] Coldham, I., Reymond, L., & Taber, D. F. (2009). Recent advances in the synthesis of aziridines. Accounts of Chemical Research, 42(6), 661-671.
• [5] Coldham, I., Watson, D. J., & Raimbault, A. (2007). Stereoselective synthesis of aziridines and their application in organic synthesis. Chemical Reviews, 107(12), 5797-5825.
• [6] Coldham, I., Judd, D. B., Shaw, C. N., & Watson, D. J. (2013). The use of boronates in organic synthesis. Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry, 11(29), 4786-4801.
• [7] Coldham, I., & Davies, S. G. (1995). Asymmetric synthesis of amino acids. Chemical Communications, (23), 2533-2541.
• [8] Coldham, I., & Judd, D. B. (2018). Nucleophilic fluorination of alkyl trifluoromethanesulfonates and nonafluorobutanesulfonates. Organic Letters, 20(17), 5122-5125.

External links

• Coldham group website
• Iain Coldham's profile at Durham University: https://www.durham.ac.uk/staff/
• Coldham Research Group website: https://www.coldhamgroup.com/