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Phillip Pelphrey

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Phillip Pelphrey

Associate Professor of Chemistry, Department Chair
Ella C. McFadden Science Center 310 B
817-531–58-69
ppelphrey@txwes.edu
Website

Education

  • B.S. Chemistry, North Georgia College and State University (2001)
  • Ph.D. Organic Chemistry, Dartmouth College (2006)

Research Interests/Scholastic Profile

Dr. Pelphrey’s research focuses on the application of organic synthesis to biological systems. Specifically, he is interested in the synthesis of small molecules for the treatment of bacterial infections. He seeks to develop compounds that target bacterial dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), which is a key enzyme needed for cell division. 

Additionally, Dr. Pelphrey is interested in pedagogical development in the undergraduate laboratory courses. He seeks to design new experimental procedures that bring together multiple chemical and biological principles. 

Courses taught at Texas Wesleyan

  • CHE 1315 (General Chemistry 1)
  • CHE 2316 (Organic Chemistry 1)
  • CHE 2116 (Organic Chemistry 1 Lab)
  • CHE 2317 (Organic Chemistry 2)
  • CHE 2117 (Organic Chemistry 2 Lab)
  • CHE 3251 (Research in Chemistry)
  • CHE 4251 (Research in Chemistry)
  • CHE 4451 (Research in Chemistry
  • CHE 4341 (Advanced Organic Chemistry)
Publications

Pelphrey, P. M.; Davies, H. M. L. Organic Reactions 2011, vol. 75, 75 – 274.  “Intermolecular C–H Insertion Reactions”
Hansen, J. H.; Parr, B. T.; Pelphrey, P. M.; Jin, Q.; Autschbach, J.; Davies, H. M. L. Angew.  Chem. Int. Ed. En., 2011, 50, 11, 2544.  “Rhodium(II)-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling of Diazo Compounds”

Pelphrey, P. M.; Hansen, J. Davies, H. M. L. Chemical Science. 2010, 1, 254. “Solvent-Free Catalytic Enantioselective C–C Bond Forming Reactions With Very High Catalyst Turnover Numbers”

Britton, M; Lucas, M. M.; Downey, S. L.; Screen, M.; Pletnev, A. A.; Verdoes, M.; Tokhunts, R. A.; Amir, O.; Goddard, A. L.; Pelphrey, P. M.; Wright, D. L.; Overkleeft, H. S.; Kissilev, A. F. Chemistry and Biology 2009, 16 (12), 1278.  “Selective Inhibitor of Proteosome’s Caspase-like Sites Sensitizes Cells to Specific Inhibition of Chymotrypsin-like Sites”

Beierlein, J. M.; Frey, K. M.; Bolstad, D. B.; Pelphrey, P. M.; Joska, T. M.; Smith, A. M.; Priestly, N. D.; Wright, D. L; Anderson, A. C. J. Med. Chem. 2008.  “Synthetic and Crystallographic Studies of a New Inhibitor Series Targeting Bacillus anthracis Dihydrofolate Reductase”

Presentations

Tshisekedi, M.; Vu, G.; Keivani, M.; Duong, P.; Menchaca, I.; Pelphrey, P.M. “Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel DHFR Inhibitors”, DFW ACS Meeting in Miniature, Texas Wesleyan University, Fort Worth, TX, April 2014.

Neuman, T. R.; Pelphrey, P. M. “Factors Influencing the Kulinkovich Cyclopropanation Reaction” 242nd ACS National Meeting, Denver, CO, August 2011

Neuman, T. R.; Pelphrey, P. M. “Electronic Effects in the Kulinkovich Hydroxycyclopropanation.” 240th ACS National Meeting, Boston, MA, August 2010.

Neuman, T. R.; Pelphrey, P. M. “Electronic Effects in the Kulinkovich Hydroxycyclopropanation.” DFW Area Meeting in Miniature, University of Texas, Dallas, April 2010.