This research project, supported by the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program, focuses on the study of multiple electron transfer systems with emphasis on two electron transfer processes. Professor Evans and his students at the University of Delaware will use low temperature fast scan cyclic voltammetry at microelectrodes, electrochemical impedance measurements, and electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance measurements to study multiple electron transfer reactions of substituted anthracenes, durenes, and bicyclooctane compounds. Of particular interest in this work will be multiple electron transfer reactions that are coupled with atom transfer reactions. Through a deeper understanding of these reactions better electroorganic synthetic schemes that can produce fine chemicals in environmentally superior ways will be developed. The preparation of organic chemicals by electrochemical means is an under- developed area of synthesis due to the need to combine expertise in both electrochemistry and organic synthesis. This work aims to develop electroorganic synthetic procedures that will have technological impact and also be attractive for their economics and environmental advantages. Multiple electron transfer processes that are coupled with atom transfer processes will be of central interest in this work due to their common occurrence in several areas of practical synthesis.
