Transition Metal-Catalyzed C-H and C-C Activation: How Hydrocarbons Go Boom, Gracefully

Carbon-hydrogen and carbon-carbon bonds are ubiquitous in organic molecules, yet suffer from limited reactivity. Modern advances in transition metal catalysis have enabled selective transformation of these compounds into functionalized species. Our seminar will focus on the work of Professor William D. Jones, a mechanistic inorganic chemist at the University of Rochester and member of the Center for Enabling New Technologies through Catalysis (CENTC). Using rhodium and nickel complexes, Dr. Jones examines the kinetic and thermodynamic pathways of hydrocarbon activation. He has been able to fine-tune the selectivity of specific reactions by experimental manipulation of these metal-ligand systems. This research has applications in improving the functionality, selectivity, and efficiency of certain industrial synthetic processes