DAVIES This research is centered on the use of rhodium(II) catalysts with D2 symmetry for enantioselective cyclopropanation with vinylcarbenoids. The work will evaluate a range of potential catalysts and will be applied to the synthesis of chiral cyclopropane amino acids, nucleoside derivatives and a new class of sesquiterpenes called tremulanes. The factors leading to chiral induction by rhodium(II) carboxylates will also be elucidated.With this award, the Synthetic Organic Program is supporting the research of Dr. Huw M. L. Davies of the Department of Chemistry at wake Forest University. Professor Davies will focus his work on the use of rhodium(II) catalysts to achieve the the synthesis of optically active cyclopropane derivatives.
