The final test of the value of any chemical transformation is its application to the synthesis of complex target molecules. Conversely, target-oriented synthetic research can lead to important methodological discoveries. A natural product often contains a common structural motif, so that studying synthetic routes often leads to the development of a strategy applicable to an entire class of molecules with similar structure. During the planning stages, difficulties encountered often represent common synthetic problems, identifying gaps in current technology. A synthetic project provides a context for methodological study and can lead to the discovery of new chemistry with wider applicability.

Professor Frontier's research program is devoted to the planning and execution of syntheses of biologically and structurally interesting natural products. A particular focus is the use of transition metal catalysis to rapidly construct complex molecular architecture from simple starting materials. Transition metal complexes present in catalytic proportions can often perform extremely specific transformations in the presence of complex functionality. The development of such reactions has the potential to change current trends in synthetic strategy.