One focus of this research is a mechanistic study to determine if a complex forms that delivers interhalogens to alkenes when xenon difluoride, amine.HF reagents of boron trifluoride serve as the source of fluorine. In a second part of the research, the ionic and/or ion-radical addition reactions of perfluoroalkenes will be probed. In both instances, undergraduates will form a major part of the research team. With this renewal Research in Undergraduate Institutions (RUI) award, the Organic Dynamics Program supports the research of Dr. Dale F. Shellhamer of the Department of Chemistry at Point Loma Nazarene College. Professor Shellhamer will focus his work on the study of the mechanism of organic reactions. Studying the generation of interhalogen fluorides and the ionic reactions of perfluoroalkenes provides an excellent venue for the training of undergraduate chemists.
