Joseph Badillo and Orion Cruz: Synthesis of Second Generation Thioureas and Study of Their Excited State pKas

Empowered with a STEM Undergraduate Research Award from the College of Arts and Sciences, Associate Professor of Chemistry Joseph Badillo, Ph.D., and third-year chemistry student Orion Cruz '25 set out in January 2024 on a study titled "Synthesis of Second Generation Thioureas and Study of their Excited State pKas." The study aims to understand more about photoacids, which are molecules that become more acidic when exposed to light. Specifically, Badillo and Cruz want to learn how the photoacids behave once they have absorbed light.

One of the compounds on which Badillo and Orion have chosen to focus is called Schreiner’s Thiourea. When this compound absorbs light, it makes orders of magnitude more acidic. Through the studies they are conducting, they are trying to understand and categorize excited state thioureas to build new molecules that absorb light more efficiently. The thioureas that they are synthesizing are often used as catalysts for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals.

Orion feels "extremely privileged to be working with Badillo, learning and observing his vast knowledge." Orion plans on working in the industry upon graduation from Seton Hall University.  The work that he is completing in Badillo’s lab will translate directly into the chemical industry. From this experience, he now understands how to work in a lab as well as conduct his own independent research. Though Orion plans on joining the industry, he is also passionate about research and would like to earn his master’s degree one day. Additionally, Badillo is "very thankful for the STEM Undergraduate Research Award and being able to support a student in the lab over the summer. Traditionally students must work or have other obligations over the summer, but this award allows students to focus on their work in the lab." As a result of this experience, Badillo has been able to witness the exceptional student that Orion is, as well as the independence and ownership that he takes in his work. After their study, Badillo and Orion hope to publish their work in a peer-reviewed journal and present their work at the American Chemical Society National Conference. Moreover, they plan to use the data generated by this study to apply for federal grant funding and further their study.

Seton Hall has a robust Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry with a wide range of faculty researching inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, organic chemistry, and other areas. The Department offers both master’s and doctoral degrees, and Seton Hall is excited to announce a new B.S./M.S. Dual Degree in Chemistry & Biochemistry.

This program will enable students to earn a B.S. in Chemistry and an M.S. in Chemistry at an accelerated pace. Students interested in joining Badillo’s lab group should reach out to Badillo. Students interested in STEM research should contact Associate Dean Mitra Feizabadi and students interested in STEM graduate programs should contact Associate Dean Michael Dooney.

Categories: Research, Science and Technology