The Inaugural Orville L. Chapman Lecture

Lecture Title: "Mechanistic Organic Chemistry of Harsh Reaction Environments"

Chapman Lecture Reception and Graduate-Student Poster Session before the lecture at 4:00-5:00 PM in the Orville L. Chapman Science Learning Center – 4th-Floor Young Hall South.

Chapman Lecture presentation at 5:00-6:00 PM in CS24 Young Hall.

Abstract.  Our research efforts focus on elucidating the chemistry and spectroscopy of organic species that are postulated to play a role in harsh environments (e.g. combustion, planetary atmospheres, interstellar space).  These environments contain a remarkable diversity of organic functionality, including reactive intermediates such as anions, radicals, and carbenes.  We have drawn on our knowledge of mechanistic and structural organic chemistry to identify chemically-significant targets for detection and characterization.  Many of these investigations are made possible through our ability to prepare specific chemical precursor molecules via synthetic organic chemistry.  I will present case studies that exemplify how modern physical-organic chemistry spans the disciplines of organic chemistry, chemical physics, and astronomy.