UCLA

Knobler Lecture: Vinothan Manoharan
2023-02-27 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Prof Manoharan Knobler Lecture Flyer
Title: The Self-Assembly of Simple RNA Viruses
Abstract: Self-assembly is the process by which molecules or particles spontaneously form ordered structures, driven by interactions and thermal fluctuations. The term “self-assembly” was originally coined to describe the formation of simple RNA viruses, which consist of RNA and coat proteins that form an icosahedral shell (called a capsid) that protects the RNA. Some of these viruses can be assembled in vitro, in the absence of any host cell factors. This result suggests that we can understand RNA virus self-assembly from the perspective of statistical mechanics. The central question is how a random process like self-assembly can lead to a high yield of well-formed viruses. I will discuss some potential answers to that question based on experiments that measure the kinetics of assembly of individual viruses — experiments that began as a result of a collaboration with UCLA.

Jeffrey I. Zink Inorganic Chemistry Seminar Series: Tatiana Bronich
2023-03-01 16:00 - 17:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Flyer: Prof. Tatiana Bronich Flyer
Meet the Speaker: 11 a.m., YH 3096
Title: Amphiphilic copolymers mediated therapeutics in cancer
Abstract: Amphiphilic block copolymers, in particular self-assembled block copolymer micelles, have been utilized in pharmaceutics for development of novel therapeutic and diagnostic modalities. Advantages of the polymeric micelles include their small size, long circulation in bloodstream, ability to circumvent renal excretion and extravasation at sites of enhanced vascular permeability. They can be designed to facilitate the incorporation of a variety of compounds or even particles through a combination of electrostatic, hydrophobic, and hydrogen bonding interactions. Combining drugs cargos with synergistic activities in a single polymer micelle emerged as an attractive strategy for the development of cancer treatment modalities with enhanced therapeutic efficacy and reduced adverse side effects. We have adopted a polypeptide-based polymer platform as the biodegradable construction material for design of micellar nanocarriers for combination therapy in cancer.

Chem 218 Student Exit Seminar: Shreya Patel
2023-03-02 12:00 - 13:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States

Biochemistry Seminar Series - Prof. Shana V. Stoddard
2023-03-03 15:30 - 16:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Shana Stoddard Flyer
Title: Molecular Recognition: The Keys to Design of Biotools
Abstract: My lab, the “Molecular Immunotherapeutics Research” (MIR) lab studies systems which are involved in cancers, neurological disorders, coronaviruses, and autoimmune diseases. Utilizing both computational and experimental methodologies work in the MIR lab explores the basic molecular details of structure and design and its implications on the development of biotools and therapeutics. Current work in the MIR lab involves investigation of structure/function relationships in the thrombospondin repeat (TSR) domain containing super family of proteins known to be heavily involved in binding interactions in the extracellular matrix (ECM) promoting functions such as angiogenesis, cell migration, and tissue remodeling. Development of both three-dimensional protein homology models and biotools to selectively target the TSR domains would advance our ability to evaluate both structure function relationships and how these proteins participate in molecular interactions that influence ECM organization. A second project the MIR lab is pursuing is development of optimization guidelines for drug development antiviral targeting coronaviruses. This talk will detail key findings that may contribute to the study of the TSR domain containing super family of proteins, design of biotools to target TSR domains to further study of ECM reorganization and the development of both small molecule and protein based therapeutic options for coronavirus antivirals. The advancements discussed will highlight new directions for understanding ECM reorganization and binding partner interactions, and key structural parameters for development of high affinity drug candidates for COVID-19 antiviral treatments

Physical Chemistry Seminar 228: Jagjit Nanda
2023-03-06 16:00 - 17:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Prof Nanda Flyer
Title: Next Generation Solid-Electrolytes and Cathode Design for All Solid-State Batteries
Abstract: Lithium-metal based solid-state batteries (SSB) are considered to the holy-grail of the next generation battery technology for their promise of higher energy density (500 Wh/Kg), safety and providing a flexible platform for integrating a number of promising solid-electrolytes (SE) with high capacity cathodes using either a thin lithium metal or anode free configuration. The design rule for achieving high energy and fast charge SSB will be discussed with specific focus on sulfide and halide based solid-electrolytes. Most of the sulfide-based SE compositions such as Li3PS4 and Argyrodite (LiPS5X; X= Cl, Br) are thermodynamically unstable against high voltage cathodes such as NMC and hence are not best catholyte for solid-state cathodes. On the contrary, halide SEs have higher oxidative stability but poor stability with respect to Li-metal. The talk will also cover development of thin SE membranes (50 micron) for integration with cathodes and development of Na-ion based SE.

NSF Center for Integrated Catalysis Webinar Series: Long Luo
2023-03-07 13:00 - 14:30
Flyer: Prof. Long Luo Flyer
Title: Rational Design of Alternating Current Electrolysis (ACE) for Organic Synthesis
Abstract: In this presentation, I will talk about the history of alternating current electrolysis (ACE) for organic synthesis and our recent work on exploring and quantitatively understanding the unique reactivity of ACE, including mimicking the redox-neutral environment of photoredox catalysis, controlling the one- or two-electron oxidation for selective amine functionalization, and site-selective hydrogen isotope exchange reactions.

Jeffrey I. Zink Inorganic Chemistry Seminar Series: Jia Niu
2023-03-08 16:00 - 17:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Flyer: Prof. Jia Niu Flyer
Meet the Speaker: 11 a.m., YH 3096
Title: Sustainability-Oriented Approaches to Precision Macromolecules
Abstract: Macromolecules are ubiquitous in life and in human society. A long-term goal of our research group is to develop novel synthetic macromolecules that are degradable, derived from sustainable resources, possess a circular life cycle, or can serve as functional probes in biological investigations. In this seminar, I will discuss our recent progress in homogeneous and heterogenous catalytic strategies that enable precise control over the architecture, stereochemistry, and chain ends of synthetic macromolecules. Examples of these sustainable polymers include synthetic polysaccharides and chemically depolymerizable main chain polymers. Taken together, we hope these efforts will enable the synthesis and applications of novel macromolecules with tailor-made properties for a sustainable future.

Special Physical Chemistry Seminar by Prof. Ronnie Kosloff
2023-03-09 11:00 - 12:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States

Chem 218 Student Exit Seminar: Patricia Poths
2023-03-09 12:00 - 13:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States

Houk-Jung Organic Colloquium 247: Vy Dong
2023-03-09 16:00 - 17:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Prof. Dong Flyer
Choose Your Own Adventure in Metal-Hydride Catalysis
Abstract: Metal hydrides promote a wide-range of organic transformations that include both C-C bond making and C-C bond breaking processes. This lecture will highlight the development of Rh and Co-catalysts for use in enantioselective hydrofunctionalizations (e.g., hydroacylation, hydroamination, and hydrothiolation). In addition, a unique transfer hydroformylation will be described that allows conversion of aldehydes/alcohols to olefins. The presentation emphasizes mechanistic studies that showcase the role of counter-ions for controlling selectivities. Lastly, we disclose applications of these catalysts for transforming feedstocks into more complex building blocks and natural products.

Biochemistry Seminar Series - Prof. Tatyana M. Svitkina
2023-03-10 15:30 - 16:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Tatyana Svitkina Flyer
Title: Crosstalk between cytoskeletal machineries in cells
Abstract: My laboratory investigates roles of the actin cytoskeleton in various cellular activities, such as cell motility, morphogenesis, cell shape determination, cell-cell interactions and membrane organelle dynamics. Our distinctive approach toward this goal is to use platinum replica electron microscopy (PREM) to determine high resolution structure of the cytoskeleton and combine it with more conventional approaches to study dynamics of the cell, cellular organelles, or specific proteins. I will present our recent and new findings on (i) the role of microtubules in regulating assembly of branched actin networks, (ii) cytoskeletal mechanisms of clathrin-mediated endocytosis and (iii) cooperation between nonmuscle myosin II paralogs for the assembly of the cellular contractile system.

Organic Student Seminar 248: Aleksandras Lotuzas
2023-03-13 15:00 - 15:50 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States

Physical Chemistry Seminar 228: Vanessa Huxter
2023-03-13 16:00 - 17:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Prof Huxter Flyer
Title: Photophysics of Photocatalytic and Radical Systems
Abstract: Photoredox catalysis has enabled researchers to overcome previously intractable problems in organic synthesis. The use of light to drive catalysis has allowed for more selective reactions that generate both simple and complex molecules from renewable and economical starting materials under mild conditions. The dynamics of these catalysts following photoexcitation determines their efficiency. A direct time-resolved photophysical view of reactions is essential to construct the full kinetic scheme, observe the intermediates, and thereby link dynamics to structure. Through the use of ultrafast broadband transient absorption and two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy across a wide range of time and energy scales, the Huxter group studies photoinduced single-electron transfer and electronic dynamics in photoredox catalytic and radical systems. These studies have revealed complex mechanisms of photoredox catalytic reactions, including the involvement of reduced solvent as intermediates, multiple photoproducts as well as many productive and unproductive pathways. Experiments on neutral radical tripyrrindione systems with tunable redox-active chemistry have demonstrated controllable spin states, reversible antiferromagnetic coupling, and spin-dependent electronic relaxation.

NSF Center for Integrated Catalysis Green Chemistry Seminar Series: Stafford Sheehan
2023-03-14 13:00 - 14:30
Flyer: Dr. Stafford Sheehan Flyer
Title: Carbon Dioxide Utilization for Sustainable Aviation Fuel at Air Company
Abstract: Power-to-liquid (PtL) technologies must be deployed at world-scale to sustainably produce energy-dense liquid fuels in the quantities needed to replace fossil fuels in hard-to-decarbonize industries. Legacy PtL pathways rely on multi-step approaches to first produce carbon monoxide, then combine carbon monoxide with hydrogen in a Fischer-Tropsch reactor to make a mixture of light hydrocarbons, liquid fuels, and waxes. Air Company has developed an alternate technology based on carbon dioxide hydrogenation, to both circumvent the need for carbon monoxide production and improve the selectivity of fuel production by minimizing wax byproduct. The process has been scaled to a pilot reactor in Brooklyn, NY that produces metric tons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and is currently undergoing further scale-up in a small commercial demonstration facility. Concurrent to paraffin synthesis, light alcohols enable production of consumer goods that help to enable efficient technology scale-up.

Jeffrey I. Zink Inorganic Chemistry Seminar Series: Ted Betley
2023-03-15 16:00 - 17:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Flyer: Prof. Ted Betley Flyer
Title: Trapping radical intermediates, walking the fine line between stabilization and provocation
Abstract: Our group is interested in how electronic structure makeup directly links to reactivity in inorganic complexes. We explore new means for stabilizing radicaloid ligands to drive new reaction processes. We examine how weak field platforms enable radical generation and explore their utility to drive bond activation and functionalization processes. I will describe our efforts in functional group transfer catalysis in organometallic chemistry and how we understand the electronic structure of the reactive intermediates can dictate selectivity during reactions. Radical stabilization strategies employed include steric isolation and Lewis acid stabilization of the reactive fragments. Lastly, we will describe how covalent bonding can be taken to its limits, stretching our understanding of canonical multiple bonding configurations.

Chem 218 Student Exit Seminar: Charlene Salamat
2023-03-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States

NSF Center for Integrated Catalysis Webinar Series: Matthew Conley
2023-03-16 13:00 - 14:30
Flyer: Prof. Matthew Conley Flyer
Title: An Organometallic Perspective on Surface Functionalization
Abstract: Generation of catalytically active sites on “inert” oxide supports is a robust methodology used by chemical industry togenerate heterogeneous catalysts that mediate most large-scale chemical processes. One of the most important, yetprosaic, features of some heterogeneous catalysts is the inability of active sites to “move” on the support, whichgenerates reactive site-isolated active sites that can have higher activity or selectivity than related homogeneouscatalysts. As chemists, how can we leverage this property in catalyst design? In this webinar I will describeimmobilization of organometallic species onto functionalized surfaces as a method to understand relevant industrialmodels for common Ziegler-type olefin polymerization catalysts (e.g. Cp 2 ZrCl 2 /AlR 3 /oxide) and to more generallyaccess cationic surface species.

Biochemistry Seminar Series - Prof. Francesca M. Marassi
2023-03-17 15:30 - 16:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Francesca Marassi Flyer (1)
Title: Calcification of protein-lipid assemblies in macular degeneration: Insights from NMR
Abstract: The ectopic deposits that form in age-related diseases, like macular degeneration, are rich in lipids and proteins involved in innate immunity, and this has been proposed to reflect an immune response to yet unidentified stress cues. Biomolecular NMR spectroscopy, combined with other biophysical methods and functional assays, can provide insights to the molecular interactions and mechanism for calcified deposit formation.

Chem 278 Student Exit Seminar: Diaconescu Group - Shijie (Jenny) Deng and Yi Shen
2023-03-22 16:00 - 17:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Flyer: Student Exit Seminar Flyer – Diaconescu Group

NSF Center for Integrated Catalysis Careers in Green Chemistry Seminar Series: Selma Duhović
2023-03-24 13:00 - 14:30
Flyer: Dr. Selma Duhović Flyer
Title: At the Nexus of Science, Business, and Finance
Abstract: This webinar will tell the story of a slightly unconventional career path taken by Dr. Selma Duhović (Diaconescu Group, 2012). Dr. Duhovic will describe the choices she made, the opportunities she seized (and missed), the challenges she faced, and the competencies (acquired at UCLA) she used along the way. Her story is meant to expose students to different career trajectories on which chemistry students can thrive. Dr. Duhović received her Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry under the supervision of Prof. Paula Diaconescu, with whom she studied reactivity and electrochemical properties of organouranium complexes. She conducted her postdoctoral research with Prof. Mircea Dinca at MIT, where she studied metal organic frameworks.

Houk-Jung Organic Colloquium 247: Daniel T. Gryko
2023-04-03 15:00 - 16:00 | Mol Sci 3440, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
1,4-Dihydropyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrrole and Dipyrrolonaphthyridinedione – Novel Building Blocks for Optoelectronics
Abstract: Recently we have discovered and optimized the first practical synthesis of non-fused pyrrole[3,2-b]pyrroles via domino reaction of aldehydes, primary amines, and butane-2,3-dione.1 Six bonds are formed in heretofore unknown tandem process, which gives rise to substituted pyrrole[3,2-b]pyrroles – the ‘missing link’ on the map of aromatic heterocycles. Unparalleled simplicity and versatility of this one-pot reaction, non-chromatographic purification and superb optical properties (including strong violet, blue or green fluorescence both in solution as well as in the solid state), brought these molecules from virtual non-existence to the intensively investigated area functional π-systems. The parent 1,4-dihydro-pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrroles served as building block to construct various π-expanded analogs including nitrogen-embedded buckybowl with inverse Stone–Thrower–Wales topology2,3 and diindolo[2,3-b:2‘,3‘–f]pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrroles. These compounds constitute the most electron-rich ladder-type heteroacenes known to date – EHOMO was located at ca. −4.6 eV. Recently, we have proved that the dipyrrolonaphthyridinedione (DPND) core constitutes an excellent scaffold for the design of strongly fluorescent dyes or quadrupolar-type materials with large two-photon absorption (TPA) cross-sections (up to 5,180 GM).37 These properties result from an unusual arrangement of donor (pyrrole ring) and acceptor (carbonyl group) moieties within the DPND core.

Physical Chemistry Seminar 228: Dugan Hayes
2023-04-03 16:00 - 17:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Hayes Flyer
Time-resolved Spectroscopic Tools for Mechanistic Studies of Organic and Inorganic Photochemistry
Abstract: Ultrafast optical spectroscopies are powerful tools for characterizing electronic excited state dynamics in homogeneous photochemistry. When the system of interest contains a transition metal, we may also take advantage of the element specificity of X-ray spectroscopies to provide complementary information. I will provide two examples of recent work from my group that take advantage of the powerful combination of these techniques to disentangle photochemical and photophysical pathways. First, I will present our investigation of the Cu(I)-catalyzed [2 + 2] photocycloaddition reaction, which provides a simple, single-step route to cyclobutanes in organic syntheses. By observing the intermolecular dimerizations of two model olefins, we have found that this photocatalytic reaction may be directed along strikingly disparate trajectories through only very minor changes in substrate structure. These insights have since allowed us to overcome the limitations of intramolecular [2 + 2] photocyloadditions and thereby broaden the scope of such reactions. Next, I will present our work on the aqueous ferrate(VI) ion, a remarkable example of an air-stable hexavalent iron complex that is an excellent source of oxidizing potential in both catalysis and energy storage applications. We have identified the timescales, intermediates, and branching ratios for the competing photochemical and photophysical relaxation pathways of the ferrate(VI) ligand-to-metal charge transfer state, which will help guide environmental engineering efforts toward novel, non-toxic methods of oxidative water treatment. Finally, I will discuss how we have used organic chromophores as platforms for the discovery of novel photochemical reactions with unique regioselectivity and give several examples of such transformations.

NSF Center for Integrated Catalysis: Careers in Green Chemistry Seminar Series - Stephanie Quan
2023-04-04 13:00 - 14:30
Flyer: TBD
Title: TBD
Abstract: TBD

Jeffrey I. Zink Inorganic Chemistry Seminar Series: Lior Sepunaru
2023-04-05 16:00 - 17:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Flyer: Prof. Lior Sepunaru Flyer
Title: From molecular electrocatalysis to electro-assembly
Abstract: When we think about electrochemistry, we mostly think about batteries. However, electrochemistry has been experiencing a renaissance in many other subdisciplines of chemistry in the last few years. In this talk, I will introduce the concept of nanoelectrochemistry and how it is used for detecting and quantifying freely diffusing species in solution. Together we will learn how this method can help understand catalysis at the nanoscale and how this method can be used for detecting any species, one at a time, and by that, learning about catalysts’ heterogeneity. After that, I will describe our recent collaborative effort to use electricity as an external trigger to neutralize biomolecules, altering their secondary structure and assembling them. The concept is similar to what Frankenstein tried to do with his (gentle) monster, but we do that on a molecular scale. Overall, the primary motivation is to share with you what electrochemistry offers beyond conventional electrical storage and power devices.

Jeffrey I. Zink Inorganic Chemistry Seminar Series: Keith Keitz
2023-04-12 16:00 - 17:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Flyer: Prof. Keith Keitz Flyer
Title: Expanding Cellular Metabolism through Extracellular Electron Transfer
Abstract: Qualities exhibited by living systems, including self-regulation, self-healing, morphology control, and environmental responsiveness, are highly attractive from a material design perspective. However, biological materials including biofilms and tissues are generally less robust and more difficult to engineer than synthetic materials. Bridging these seemingly disparate properties could enhance the vast functional space of engineered materials with living characteristics. Paradoxically, such designs require methods to program genetic and transcriptional responses to control non-biological material properties. Addressing this challenge, our lab employs techniques from microbiology, synthetic biology, and metabolic engineering to control extracellular electron transfer (EET), a form of microbial respiration in which extracellular metals and metal oxides are used as terminal electron acceptors. Using the model electroactive bacterium Shewanella oneidensis, we coopt EET to establish metabolic and genetic control over a variety of redox-driven catalytic reactions. Specifically, we show that S. oneidensis can activate controlled radical polymerizations to form well-defined synthetic homopolymers, block copolymers, and crosslink hydrogels. We also show that EET can control alternative synthetic reactions, including Cu-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition. Finally, we establish that these reactions can be placed under transcriptional control using genetic circuits that regulate the expression of EET-relevant electron transfer proteins. Ultimately, our efforts demonstrate how the chemical reaction space available to bacteria can be expanded using EET and how this novel form of bacterial respiration can endow synthetic materials with the properties of living systems.

Distinguished Lecture Series: Ben Feringa
2023-04-13 16:00 - 17:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Feringa DLS Flyer PDF
The Art of Building Small

Physical Chemistry Seminar 228: Prineha Narang
2023-04-17 16:00 - 17:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Narang Flyer
Predicting Electron Hydrodynamics and Signatures of Unconventional Transport
Abstract: The re-invigorated field of electron hydrodynamics in quantum matter has recently garnered considerable scientific interest, both due to its technological promise of designing near dissipation-less nanoelectronics, as well as its fundamental importance as an experimental probe of strong electron-electron interactions. Investigating the capacity to which observations of electron hydrodynamic flows can inform the nature of electron-electron interactions is particularly important and timely with the advent of spatially-resolved transport measurements which, having demonstrated the hallmark spatial signature of electron hydrodynamic channel flow, must now turn their attention to studying more spatially-complex geometries, enabling the observation of intricate fluid phenomena such as vortices. Recently we have explored the effects of crystal symmetry on electron fluid behaviors starting from the most general viscosity tensors in two and three dimensions, constrained only by crystal symmetry and thermodynamics. In our work we demonstrate the anomalous landscape for electron hydrodynamics in systems beyond graphene, highlighting that previously-thought exotic fluid phenomena can exist in both two-dimensional and anisotropic three-dimensional materials with or without breaking time-reversal symmetry. In this context, the first part of my talk will discuss our recent predictions of hydrodynamics beyond graphene, especially the role of phonons in hydrodynamics in Weyl semimetals. We identify phonon-mediated electron-electron interactions, computed with techniques developed in the group that I will discuss in this talk, as critical in a microscopic understanding of hydrodynamics. The second part of my talk will introduce a new theoretical and computational transport framework from our group, the SpaRTaNS (Spatially Resolved Transport of Nonequilibrium Species) framework. I will discuss applications of this method in nonequilibrium electron and phonon transport in quantum matter. Time permitting, building on our recent work in magnetic Weyl semimetals, I will discuss possible approaches to understand and realize axion physics in condensed-matter systems.

Chem 263 Seminars in Chemical Biology: Dr. Chau Ngo
2023-04-18 16:00 - 17:00 | Young Hall 2033

Inorganic Chemistry Student Exit Seminars: Ben Hoar and Danlei Xiang
2023-04-19 16:00 - 17:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Flyer: Inorganic Chemistry Student Exit Seminars – Chong Liu Group Flyer

Houk-Jung Organic Colloquium 247: Yiming Wang
2023-04-20 16:00 - 17:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Wang Flyer
Cationic Late Transition Metal Complexes for Selective α-C–H Functionalization
Abstract: We describe the discovery and development of catalytic α-C–H functionalization reactions of simple unsaturated hydrocarbons, including alkynes, alkenes, and allenes, using cationic cyclopentadienyliron(II) dicarbonyl complexes. These complexes enable the development of a new mode of catalytic C–H functionalization in which metal coordination to a π-bond facilitates the deprotonation of a neighboring C–H bond. The implementation of this strategy resulted in mild, functional group tolerant, and regioselective transformations for the coupling of unsaturated hydrocarbons with aldehydes, iminiums, and other readily available or easily accessed carbon electrophiles. Investigations into the reaction mechanism and the discovery and optimization of new ligand systems are discussed. Extensions of this approach to other transition metal catalysts for stereoselective transformations are also described.
