Organic chemistry is the science of carbon compounds. McMaster’s organic chemistry research has expertise in its five major areas: synthetic; physical organic; bioorganic; photochemistry; and polymer

Synthetic organic chemistry studies the laboratory synthesis of specific molecules, such as natural products and dyes used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Physical organic chemistry focuses on the structure of organic molecules and the mechanisms of chemical reactions.

Photochemistry explores the chemistry of electronically excited states. We study the behaviour of molecules after they absorb light and their energy states change. Bio-organic Chemistry encompasses several areas of study including of the biosynthesis of compounds that occur in nature.

Polymer chemistry involves design, synthesis and characterization of novel monomers and polymers.