Christopher J. Douglas

Christopher J. Douglas
Associate Professor, Department of ChemistryContact
Kolthoff Hall Room 568C 225 Pleasant Street SeMinneapolis, MN 55455
Education
B.S. Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 1999
Ph.D. Organic Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, 2005 (Larry E. Overman)
Post Doctorate California Institute of Technology (Robert H. Grubbs), 2005-2007
Organic Chemistry, synthesis
Nanoscience & Materials Chemistry, organic electronics
Energy & Catalysis
Inorganic & Organometallic Chemistry
Research in our group focuses on the development of new synthetic methods and on finding solutions to a variety of synthesis problems. Our program in developing new methods is particularly focused on reactions we feel have the potential to change the way scientists approach the construction of organic molecules. For example, development of carbon–carbon sigma bond activation could open up unusual disconnections in retrosynthetic analysis, leading to new or more efficient syntheses of desirable molecules. We are also interested in new approaches to conjugated systems applicable in organic electronics, particularly the linear acenes including derivatives of tetracene, pentacene, and polyacene, a long-sought polymer. Our interest in synthesis extends well beyond organic electronics to encompass biologically relevant compounds.
Honors and Awards
George W. Taylor/College of Science & Engineering Alumni Society Award for Distinguished Teaching, 2017
George Taylor Career Development Award (UMN), 2014
National Science Foundation CAREER award, 2012
DuPont Young Investigator, 2011
2010-2011, Outstanding Professor Award, College of Science & Engineering (selected by undergraduates at the University of Minnesota)
Cottrell Scholar, Research Corporation for Science Advancement, 2010
Thieme Synthesis/Synlett Journal Award, 2010
3M Nontenured Faculty Grantee, 2009
National Institutes of Health Ruth L. Kirschstein NRSA Postdoctoral Fellow, 2006
ARCS Foundation Graduate Fellow, 2004
Bristol-Myers Squibb Graduate Fellow, 2001
Mailing Address
Christopher J. Douglas
University of Minnesota
Department of Chemistry
A-12, 139 Smith Hall, 207 Pleasant St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455-0431