Research
Research in our group focuses on the development of practical transition-metal catalyzed chemcial transformations that address unsolved challenges in synthetic methodology and organic synthesis. The goal is to develop catalytic transformations that can be used in the pharmaceutical industry for synthesis of medicinally relevant molecules and in the upgrading of biomass. The approach to such goal involves the synthesis of well-defined complexes of transition metals, systematic studies of their reactivity, and detailed studies of reaction mechanism. Current research programs in our laboratory include: 1) the development of practical catalysts for the hydrofunctionalization of alkenes; 2) the synthesis of well-defined hydrido-complexes of transition metals for practical (asymmetric) reduction of unstaturated orgnic molecules and CO2; 3) the development of base metal catalysts for cross-coupling reactions and the functionalization of C-H bonds; and 4) the development of well-defined low-valent complexes of transtion metals for the activation of C-C and C-O bonds.