In this project in the Organic Dynamics Program of the Chemistry Division, Edward L. Clennan of the University of Wyoming will study the reactions of singlet oxygen with sulfides, disulfides, sulfenamides, and sulfenate esters. Sulfenic acid derivatives will be covalently bonded by a hydrocarbon tether to silica surfaces and their heterogeneous photooxidations will be studied. Objectives are the clarification of reaction mechanisms, the development of new tools for analyzing reaction mechanisms, the discovery of new oxidizing agents, and the development of new synthetic methods. Reactions of singlet oxygen created by the absorption of light with compounds containing carbon and sulfur will be studied. Methods to control the indiscriminate nature of these reactions by using molecules chemically bonded to glass-like surfaces will be studied. This project may lead to a better understanding of the reactions of sulfur containing proteins and naturally occuring organic sulfur compounds when they are exposed to oxygen and sunlight.
