Degrees:
B.A. – Agnes Scott College (Chemistry), 2008
Research Interests: Catalysts for Olefin Hydroarylation, Metal-Mediated C-H Activation of Hydrocarbons
Research Description:
My research focuses on C-H activation of benzene and hydroarylation of α-olefins using d6-octahedral ruthenium complexes, more specifically, complexes of the form TpRu(L)(NCCH3)Ph where L consists ligands of varying electronic and steric profiles. I am specifically looking at L = P(O)(OCH2)2CCH3 which is predicted to be a better π-acid than the previously investigated P(OCH2)3CEt. Additionally, I am studying L = Me-pyrazine which, based on previous experimental results, is potentially similar in electron donating ability as CO but has a larger steric profile.
