CRC: Atom and Group Transfer Reactions: A Combined Synthetic, Structural, Theoretical, Kinetic, and Solution Calorimetry Investigation.

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology, Cambridge MA

Investigators

Abstract

Christopher C. Cummins of MIT, Carl Hoff of the University of Miami and Elena V. Rybak-Akimova of Tufts University are supported by the Division of Chemistry and the Office of Multidisciplinary Activities of the Mathematical and Physical Sciences Directorate for their interdisciplinary collaboration aimed at obtaining a complete mechanistic description of several atom and group transfer reactions. These model reactions are rapid and quantitative, making them amenable to study by stopped-flow kinetics and solution calorimetry. The controlled transfer of a single atom (oxygen, sulfur, phosphorus, nitrogen) or a small group such as NCN offers great possibilities for environmentally benign synthesis of commodity chemicals, pharmaceuticals, plastics additives and other specialty chemicals. This focused study of this important class of reactions should provide increased understanding of the driving force and kinetic barriers to atom transfer reactions as well as how to incorporate this knowledge into design of new catalytic systems. Collaborative Research in Chemistry (CRC) awards are given to interdisciplinary teams of scientists working on problems of broad chemical interest. The emphasis in these awards is on new collaborative modes of research and training.