My research has two directions. The first is the chemistry and biochemistry of Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80), one of the major surfactants and solubilizing agents used widely in many industrial applications. At present, our emphasis is on the synthesis of derivatives that can be used to deionize aqueous solutions and as probes for specific ions in various solutions, including the inside of cells. The second has to do with the synthesis of potential anticancer and antiviral agents.

However, it should be noted that as a result of my recent appointment as an Emeritus Professor, effective in Fall 2002, I will not be accepting any new students into my research laboratory. I will continue to direct the graduate student currently working in my laboratory, and will continue to be available for consultation in my areas of expertise.

‡ Undergraduate Student
* Graduate Student

C.J. Thoman, 1999, "The Versatility of Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) as an Ionophore," J. Pharm. Sci. 88, 258.

C.J. Thoman, 1998, "Sir Humphrey Davy and Frankenstein," J. Chem. Educ., 75, 496.

C.J. Thoman, L.A. Vermeulen‡, A.M. Coffee‡, R.J. DeSanto‡, 1993, "The Effect of Dietary Polysorbate 80 on the Serum Concentrations of Calcium and Magnesium in the Rat," J. Agric. Food Chem., 41, 714.

C.J. Thoman, M.A. Korpusic‡, M.J. Huhn‡, T.D. Habeeb‡, D.J. Slish‡, 1989, "The Use of Polysorbate 80 as a Phase Transfer Catalyst," J. Org. Chem., 54, 4476.