In this project ("Single Electron Transfer. A Major Reaction Pathway in Organic Chemistry") in the Organic Dynamics Program of the Chemistry Division, Professor Eugene C. Ashby will study single electron transfer reactions. The main thrust of the work is the gathering of experimental evidence to support the proposition that single electron transfer is a major pathway in organic chemistry. Professor Ashby will perform experiments with various alkyl halide model substrates in an attempt to discern the electron transfer nature of nucleophilic aliphatic substitution reactions. These studies will involve comparison of rate and stereochemistry as a function of leaving group. Competing radical, carbanion, and carbene intermediates in the reactions of primary alkyl halides with lithium diisopropylamide are also being investigated. Professor Ashby is also studying the mechanism of conjugate addition of metal alkyls to enones under a wide variety of experimental conditions using the probe of isomerization of the cis enone to the trans enone.
