Our lab studies the reactivity and behavior of organic radicals. In contrast to typical (polar) organic reactions, radical reactions involve molecules with unpaired electrons. As a result, these processes can exhibit different or unusual properties, including changes in reactivity, selectivity, compatibility, etc. Overall, we seek to better understand organic radicals, specifically focusing on their application in synthetic organic chemistry. Sometimes this means taking an existing reaction and improving it (for example, making it faster, safer, greener, cheaper, or more selective). Other times, this means developing an entirely new reaction altogether, making something for which no methods currently exist.
One of the primary strategies we use in our lab is photoredox catalysis, in which chromophores absorb visible light, then use that energy to perform single electron redox chemistry with organic substrates. The resulting radical intermediates are able to participate in a wide variety of interesting and powerful organic transformations. We are particularly interested in understanding the mechanisms of these reactions, and we apply our discoveries in order to develop new synthetic methods and make new and never-before-seen molecules!
If you are interested in joining the research group, and have taken (or are currently taking) Chem 233/234, please email me. I would love to meet with you and discuss our current projects, as well as how you could be a member of the team!
