With funding from the Organic Dynamics Program, Professor Collum of Cornell University will investigate the dynamic effects of ligating solvents on the reactivity of alkyl lithium complexes. Since these reagents are commonly used in organic syntheses, this research will have a significant impact. The efficient use of natural resources for the synthesis of materials and medicinal drugs requires a series of reagents. Optimization and understanding of these reactions provides a more efficient process which preserves resources. Since alkyl lithium is often used, its reaction characteristics are of immediate interest. This is a very significant investigation.
