The proposed research concerns the development of a new concept for the catalytic activation of organic molecules. Based on the unprecedented idea of reversible fulvene formation, this work promises to facilitate the development of a broad range of heretofore unknown synthetic transformations and to provide an exceptionally versatile yet simple new paradigm for the synthesis of enantiopure chiral molecules.
With this award, the Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry Program is supporting the research of Professor Tristan Lambert of the Department of Chemistry at Columbia University. Professor Lambert's research involves the investigation of new concepts in reaction catalysis. These efforts offer the potential to open new areas of reaction design and to develop more rapid, economic, and environmentally benign chemical processes. Successful development of the proposed research will have widespread impact on synthesis in the pharmaceutical, agricultural, and materials-based industries.
