The focus of this research is the use of the Murai reaction to achieve the efficient RU catalyzed addition of ortho aromatic C-H bonds of acetophenone across the C-C double bonds of alpha, omega dienes.. The scope and mechanism of this regioselective reaction will be probed. The photoreactivity of polymer bound o-alkyl aromatic groups will be studied and materials with unusual uv stability will be sought. Hyperbranched materials and polymers containing nonlinear optical chromophores will also be prepared. With this new award, the Organic Dynamics Program is supporting the research of Dr. William P. Weber of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Southern California. Professor Weber will focus his work using Ruthenium catalyzed polymerization to produce a series of novel polymers. It is possible that these materials will have unusual stability towards uv photodegradation. Novel hyperbranched materials and materials containing nonlinear optical (NLO) chromophores will also be prepared.
