POWRE: Synthesis of Taxane Diterpenes via Pi-Allyl Palladium Complexes

Appalachian State University, Boone NC

Investigators

Abstract

This POWRE award by the Chemistry Division will support Dr. Nicole Bennett in developing a research program in efficient organo-metallic synthesis at Hope College. The specific objective of this research will be to develop little used synthetic procedures to prepare taxane diterpenes, a class of compounds that have found use as anticancer agents. This project will allow Dr. Bennett to expand the repertory of undergraduate research projects at Hope, especially in the areas of synthetic organometallic chemistry, stereochemistry and structure interpretation by magnetic resonance. The project will also support Dr. Bennett's efforts to incorporate modern synthetic chemical techniques in the undergraduate chemistry curriculum at Hope College and will provide chemistry undergraduates at the college with experience in specialized synthetic chemical procedures, advanced chemical structural concepts, use of the chemical literature, presentation of research results, etc. that will better prepare them for graduate training in the field.