With funding from the Organic Dynamics Program, Professor Carpenter at Cornell University is investigating fundamental organic dynamics using theoretical and experimental chemistry. The theoretical portion deals with calculation of molecular trajectories in an effort to to determine the lifetimes of reaction intermediates. The hypothesis is that short lived species may have kinetic characteristics which are new and not adequately described by existing theory. In the experimental portion of the investigation, the principal investigator is testing this hypothesis using pericyclic systems with isotope labeling and supercritical fluid media. Stereoselectivity of reaction products is the preferred end point analysis for testing the new concept. In order to generalize the use of chemical reactions in a rational way, it is necessary to understand the reaction pathway in detail. While the chemical community has had a paradigm for many organic reactions, this proposed work challenges these traditional concepts and has preliminary data to support the new concepts. If successful, this investigation could have profound significance for understanding of chemical reactions.
