Toms Pfeifers - currently the youngest colleague of the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis (OSI), whose path started here last year, creating a scientific research paper for the needs of the 12th grade. Through this experience came the decision to choose to study chemistry this year and continue working at OSI. In the summer, Tom joined the Faculty of Chemistry of the University of Latvia, while this week is his first working week as an employee of the institute.
The young chemist has been interested in natural sciences since childhood. However, chemistry has always seemed a little more special, closer. The experience gained during the last year of school also played a role in OSI. As part of his research, he spent 6 weeks in the Laboratory of Organic Synthesis. Under the guidance of his senior colleague Artūrs Sperga, Toms conducted experiments and measurements, and his contribution resulted not only in a well-written school final thesis, but also in the publication of the research in the journal Organic Letters by the head of the laboratory, Jānis Veliks. Toms is credited as one of the co-authors on the paper on the synthesis of novel diarylfluorohalomethylsulfonium salts. These reagents enable freon-free fluorocarbene transfer to alkenes under mild, metal-free conditions.
"In my opinion, it is a great value if we can give young people the opportunity to get to know the daily work of a chemist in a laboratory, to interest them, to inspire them in choosing a profession," says Jānis Veliks, head of the Organic Synthesis Laboratory, "Working with students is in line with the institute's mission - to contribute to the new generation in the education of chemists."
Toms says that during school, his chemistry teacher suggested that he try to do scientific research work at OSI. Toms wrote an e-mail and the answer from the institute was quick and positive. "I found my time at OSI so exciting that deciding where to study and where to work in the future didn't cause any headaches," said Toms. He is already ready to start working in the laboratory on the first day, while his senior colleague Arturs adds: "We need to warm up our hands a bit, repeat certain algorithms, but we are happy to have Toms back - now as a full-fledged colleague!"
Photo: OSI