Title: Nickel-Catalyzed Stereoselective Cross-Coupling and Cross-Electrophile Coupling Reactions of Alcohols
Abstract:
Transition metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions have revolutionized the synthesis of natural products and medicinal agents and provided rapid synthetic access to a diverse range of molecules for biological testing. Important challenges remain, however, particularly in reactions that form C–C bonds between sp3 hybridized carbons. We are developing methods of engaging readily available building blocks in stereoselective alkyl-alkyl cross coupling and cross-electrophile coupling reactions. Earth-abundant nickel catalysts present multiple benefits in these reactions. In addition to providing inexpensive alternatives to palladium catalysts, nickel complexes present unique reactivity patterns and advantages, particularly in reactions of sluggish electrophilic partners and those involving alkylmetal intermediates. Development of stereospecific cross-coupling reactions that engage Csp3-O bonds will be reported. Stereospecific and stereoablative cross-electrophile coupling reactions for synthesis of cycloalkanes, including cis- and trans-substituted cyclopropanes, will also be described.
Bio:
2016-present Professor, University of California, Irvine
2012-2016 Associate Professor, University of California, Irvine
2005-2012 Assistant Professor, University of California, Irvine
2002-2005 Postdoctoral Fellow, Harvard University (Advisor: Professor Eric N. Jacobsen)
1997-2002 Ph.D. in Chemistry, Boston College (Advisor: Professor Scott. J. Miller)
1993-1997 B.Sc., Honours, Chemistry, Acadia University (Advisor: Professor Michael A. Kerr)
Summer 1994 Undergraduate Research, Concordia University (Advisor: Professor Youla Tsantrizos)
Awards and Honors:
2025 Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award
2022 Synlett Best Paper Award 2021
2021 Journal of Organic Chemistry 2020 Outstanding Article of the Year
2020 Chemmy Award, Emory Department of Chemistry
2017 Novartis Chemistry Lectureship
2017 UCI Chancellor’s Faculty Fellow
2015 Japan Society for Promotion of Science (JSPS) Fellowship
2014 ACS Women in Chemistry Committee Rising Star Award
2010 Thieme Chemistry Journal Award
2009 UC Irvine School of Physical Sciences “Outstanding Contributions to Undergraduate Education” Award
2008 NSF-CAREER Award
2006 ACS-PRF Type G Award
2005 Lilly New Faculty Award
2005 Amgen New Faculty Award