Welcome to the website of Professor Steven V. Ley and his organic chemistry research group. Our labs (The Whiffen and the Innovative Technology Centre) are in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge.
News
We are looking for up to 2 postdoctoral researcher to join us from June 2013. Please see the University Jobs page here. In addition to a CV, publication list, and 3 references, interested candidates are also required to complete a supplementary application form available as a download from here. The deadline for full applications is May 17 2013.

Lastest publications
- An expedtious synthesis of imatinib and analogues utilising flow chemistry methods
- Synthesis of (–)-hennoxazole A: integrating batch and flow chemistry methods
- Flow chemistry synthesis of zolpidem, alpidem and other GABAA agonists and their biological evaluation through the use of in-line frontal affinity chromatography
- The synthesis of Bcr-Abl inhibiting anticancer pharmaceutical agents imatinib, nilotinib and dasatinib
Videos
- Conducting Appel reactions in flow using a triphenylphosphine monolith Steve gives a one-on-one tutorial about flow chemistry and demonstrates how these systems can be applied to a given reaction in practice.
- Flow chemistry: introducing the Innovative Technology Centre Steve shows you around the ITC and explains what can be achieved using automated flow methods.
From the archives
Our very first Whiffen Lab Letter 1 from March 9th 1987 when Steve Ley was at Imperial College.
“Complex synthesis remains a challenging occupation requiring an exceptional level of experimental skill, extensive knowledge of both mechanistic and molecular reactivity, and a bold, inventive, and creative spirit. It is the combination of these qualities that transforms the synthesis process from one of simple logistics to an art form.”
Steve Ley
Please email any comments regarding the website to rmm32(@)cam.ac.uk.