Professor Sharon Neufeldt

Special Seminar
Professor Sharon Neufeldt
Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Montana State University
Host: Professor Joseph Topczewski
Abstract

Controlling Site Selectivity in Cross Coupling Reactions

Catalytic cross coupling reactions are among the most widely used strategies for C—C and C—N bond formation in organic synthesis. However, when two or more electrophiles (usually aryl halides) are present in the reactants, controlling site selectivity becomes critical. The most common approach to controlling selectivity involves using different substrates to access different products (substrate control). A potentially more efficient approach is to manipulate selectivity through choice of catalyst or reaction conditions. Here, we describe our efforts toward achieving and understanding ligand- and solvent-control over selectivity in Pd- and Ni-catalyzed cross coupling reactions. In addition to streamlining synthetic methods, this work provides insight into mechanistic details that could facilitate future catalyst design.

Research

The Neufeldt Lab studies transition metal-catalyzed reactions of organic compounds. In particular, we explore strategies for using catalysts to induce molecules to react in novel ways. This research includes catalyst design to invert the conventional selectivity of cross coupling reactions, to functionalize hydrocarbons, or to enable other novel transformations. We especially value mechanistic understanding, and we use both experimental and computational (DFT) tools to gather insight into the origin of novel selectivity and reactivity in our catalytic systems.