With funding from the Organic Dynamics Program Professor Waymouth of Stanford University will develop novel catalytic and enantioselective methods for the construction of polycyclic rings using transition metal compounds. The enantioselective synthesis of a variety of substituted carbocycles and heterocycles will be pursued. Methodology developed in the catalytic enantioselctive synthesis of polymers will be applied to the synthesis of small rings. Methods developed for the synthesis of novel polymers using transition metals will be applied to the efficient synthesis of carbon containing ring compounds. The techniques employed are applicable to the efficient manufacture of novel plastics, pharmaceuticals, and materials that will be necessary for future needs of society.
