Hans-Dieter Arndt at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, Germany, studies bioorganic chemistry; using organic chemistry to clarify biological phenomena, and to realize novel function.

 What inspired you to become a scientist?

In the beginning it was out of a general curiosity for nature's mysteries. I chose to concentrate on chemistry because it offered a link to the world of real matter together with logical understanding. Working with molecules and their fascinating transformations didn't really leave me any other option than to continue. Additionally, during my early years I was blessed with incredible mentors who live their passion of science and nurture intellectual rigor - important inspirations as well. 

 What was your motivation behind the work described in your ChemComm article? 

My group has a general interest in heterocycle-modified peptides and natural products. We sensed that the more "unnatural" addition of imidazolines and imidazoles to our aza-Wittig-methodology portfolio would open up many possibilities for generating variants of target compounds and for exploring the attractive properties of imidazole scaffolds in new catalysis and ligand design projects. 


 Why did you choose ChemComm to publish your work? 

Chemical Communications offers a platform for swift contributions from all areas of chemistry, which is very attractive. Furthermore, in times where cross-national collaboration becomes more and more important, especially within Europe, Chemical Communications does a great job in generating such visibility and offers a forum which quickly publishes high quality work.

 Where do you see your research heading next? 

In general we will chemically explore highly bioactive natural products for synthesis innovation, but also focus on Chemical Biology investigations of their biomolecular targets. We have several studies on bioactive molecules advancing, with very interesting results. Methods such as the one reported in the recent communication will be key to obtain more detailed molecular insights. 

 What do enjoy doing in your spare time? 

If I had unlimited spare time, I would go hiking and mountaineering in the wild, try to revitalize my running and cycling skills, drink only good wines, and of course devote as much time to my family as they really deserve. Reality however is always a compromise, probably less frequent, and mostly in reverse order. 

If you could not be a scientist, but could be anything else, what would you be? 

Good question. I might have become an engineer. Engines, construction work, rockets and other kinds of real technology have captivated me since I was a little kid. After all, organic synthesis and chemical biology have actually quite a lot in common with construction and de-construction processes. Only the tools and methods are different - and of course the scale! 

Interviewed by Philippa Ross