Research Overview and Links
The unifying theme in my research lab is organic synthesis. We are attempting to make molecules that are structurally modified versions of the well known antioxidant Vitamin E, in hopes that these new molecules will target mitochondria in cells (which is where the majority of oxidative damage occurs). This would prove useful in combating diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Lou Gehrig's, and various cancers.
Several students are also working with reactive molecules known as stable silylenes and the application of these compounds as catalysts in new organometallic reactions. Stable silylenes are excellent metal ligands and have shown to act as phenomenal catalysts (similar to phosphines) in certain organic reactions. The Stille reaction, for example, can employ palladium-silylene complexes to create new C-C bonds between molecules. Our research is involved with designing, testing, and observing the mechanisms of such catalysts.
Microfluidics has proven to show great promise in the world of synthetic chemistry, and the third area of our research deals with developing and refining new techniques in this field. Moving beyond the standard "reaction pot" methods, microfluidics involves a mobile liquid phase (dissolved or pure reagent) which flows through a tiny reaction chamber. A second reagent is injected directly into the mobile phase chamber (much like a stream would flow into a river), creating thousands of tiny, isolated reactions. The product is then collected as the mobile phase carries it to the end of the reaction vessel.
One of our newest projects deals with an interesting organic reaction which affords tertiary amines from alkyl nitriles under palladium catalyzed reducing conditions. The outcome of these reactions can change depending on the solvent choice, and afford products in nearly quantitative yields.
Jenna Yehl (`08) -- Synthesis of tertiary amines from nitriles.
Melissa Martin (`09) -- Stable silylene synthesis.
Summer 2007:
Jenna Yehl (`08) -- Synthesis of tertiary amines from nitriles.
Melissa Martin (`09) -- Stable silylene synthesis.
