CAREER: Polydentate Lewis Acids for Anion Recognition and Organic Reaction Catalysis/Establishment of an International Exchange Program for Chemistry Students/Texas A&M University

Texas A&M Research Foundation, College Station TX

Investigators

Abstract

Dr. Francois Gabbai, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, is supported by the Inorganic, Bioinorganic and Organometallic Chemistry program of the Division of Chemistry, National Science Foundation, for his work under a Career Award whose principal focus is to prepare and explore the chemistry of non-toxic organometallic polydentate cryptate and macrocyclic Lewis acids that will incorporate elements of group 13 as active sites. The educational objective will expose undergraduate students to a broader range of experiences thereby fostering personal growth by having students spend one or two semesters abroad through establishment of a departmental international exchange program with European universities. The studies will provide insights into developing new catalysts of potential interest to the pharmaceutical industry, and will provide graduate students and post-doctoral associates with skills for better prospects in the job market. Undergraduate students who spend time abroad under the exchange program will benefit both socially and professionally from their experiences in a foreign institution.