Dr. Daniel Falvey at the University of Maryland - College Park is supported by the NSF Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry Program. The research involves spectroscopic and reactivity studies of nitrenium ions (NR2+), which are nitrogen analogues of carbonium ions. They contain a pair of nonbonding electrons which may align to give singlet or triplet spin states, each with its own distinct reactivity pattern, and may be intermediates in chemical carcinogenesis. Reactions with nucleophilic guanine bases in DNA are believed to result in mutagenic lesions which can lead to cancer. The research focuses on the structure and reactivity of nitrenium ions - reactive intermediates which may be involved in causing some kinds of cancer. The work will be of interest to others working in related fields, and will provide valuable training to graduate students interested in careers in organic chemistry or oncology.
