The focus of this research is the formation of polycyclic ring systems by the interaction of alpha-diazo alkynyl substituted ketones with various transition metals. The initially formed ketocarbenoid intermediate is projected to undergo an intramolecular addition to the acetylenic pi-bond to produce a vinylcarbenoid intermediate. The latter will be probed to study the potential for insertion into C-H bonds, addition to pi-bonds, 1,2-hydrogen and alkyl group migration and electrocyclization. %%% With this award, the Synthetic Organic Program is supporting the research of Dr. Albert Padwa of the Department of Chemistry at Emory University. Professor Padwa will focus his work on the development of new synthetic methods for the production of carbenoid intermediates and, thus, the preparation of unusual polycyclic ring systems.
