Enrique Alvarez-Manzaneda from the University of Granada, Spain, develops natural compounds in order to explore their biological activity.

 Who or what inspired you to become a scientist?  

It was my father who encouraged my curiosity about the secrets of the natural world and led me to become a scientist.

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

I was interested in developing the first reported synthesis of taiwaniaquinoids bearing an A/B ring trans-configuration in order to explore their biological activity.

The taiwaniaquinoids are a family of tricyclic diterpenoids possessing an unusual 4a-methyltetra- (and hexa-) hydrofluorene skeleton, which were isolated during the past decade from different East Asian conifers, such as Taiwania cryptomerioides. Though the bioactivities of this family of compounds are still under investigation, preliminary studies have revealed them to have therapeutic potential.

 Why did you choose ChemComm to publish your work?

It was important for us to have our results published quickly to allow other researchers in the field to read about our exciting findings. I think ChemComm is the most suitable journal for this as it has very fast times from submission to publication.

 Where do you see your research heading next? 

We are interested in developing total syntheses of bioactive natural compounds further.

 What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy listening to classical music as well as playing and watching sports such as tennis and football.

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

I would like to be a symphony orchestra conductor.

Interviewed by Philippa Ross