Research on electron-deficient species, especially nitrenes (generation, reaction mechanisms, synthetic applications). Constructing a set of nitrenes with various reactivities - some very reactive (insert into C-H bonds), others which react only with unshared electron pairs on sulfur, and others with reactivities in between. Modification of nucleosides by reactions with nitrenes.

Rearrangements involving the migration of heteroatoms, such as N and O, e.g., RO migrating from carbon to nitrogen.

Heterocyclics: Aminimides containing adjacent nitrogens N+and N- in five-membered rings. Also, mesoionic heterocycles, and large heterocycles.