The focus of this research is the dearomatization of aromatics by use of n2-arene complexes of osmium(II). The osmium(II) activates the aromatic system to electrophilic addition and provides a powerful new synthetic approach to dearomatization and the use of aromatic systems for the preparation of polycyclic organic compounds.With this renewal award, the Synthetic Organic Program is supporting the research of Dr. W. Dean Harman of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Virginia. Professor Harman will focus his work on determining the role of transition metals, specifically osmium(II) complexes of arenes, as dearomatizing agents for organic synthesis.
