Thomas' previous research focussed on synthetic organic chemistry, primarily methodology development in the building block strategy in fluorine chemistry (using trifluoropyruvates and hexafluoroacetone derived from perfluoropropenoxide) and utilising boronic ester homologation in the synthesis of fumonisins and AAL toxins – physiologically active secondary fungal metabolites. Thomas is generally interested in applications of fluorine in chemistry and while at the Dipartimento di Chimica, Materiali ed Ingegneria Chimica "Giulio Natta” he explored halogen bonding and molecular assembly. He is still keeping an eye on these topics.
However, his research interests are now largely related to education in chemistry, particularly laboratory based synthesis, green chemistry, modern technology and implementation of IT resources in practical classes; as well as problem and inquiry-based learning and improving practical assessment and feedback provision.
