The focus of this research is the development of methods to selectively and reversibly dearomatize arenes and polyaromatic hydrocarbons through dihapto-complexation to a transition metal, and to use the resulting adducts as synthons for the preparation of functionalized polycyclic systems. Osmium- and rhenium-based complexing agents will be used to prepare biologically relevant organic molecules. With this renewal award, the Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry 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 developing new methodology that uses transition metals for the activation and functionalization of aromatic molecules. The methodology has potential for the preparation of molecules having importance to the pharmaceutical industry.
