Faculty

Our group applies mechanistic principles to develop new concepts in catalysis. A particular focus is the development of organometallic and organic catalysts for the synthesis of complex macromolecular architectures. In organometallic catalysis, we investigate catalysts that can access multiple kinetic states during a polymerization reaction in order to control sequence distribution. We have devised a novel strategy for the synthesis of elastomeric polypropylene utilizing a metallocene catalyst whose structure was designed to interconvert between chiral and achiral coordination geometries on the timescale of the synthesis of a single polymer chain. We have also developed a novel method for the synthesis of alternating copolymers of ethylene and propylene by exploiting catalysts that can access multiple coordination sites that exhibit different kinetic selectivities towards the two monomers. In collaboration with Jim Hedrick of IBM laboratories, we have developed an extensive platform of organic catalysts for the controlled ring-opening polymerization of lactones. Mechanistic studies of nucleophilic N-heterocyclic carbene catalysts revealed an unusual zwitterionic mechanism which enabled the synthesis of high molecular weight cyclic polyesters, a novel topology for these biodegradable and biocompatible macromolecules. These efforts combine elements of mechanistic organic and organometallic chemistry, polymer synthesis, and homogeneous catalysis to rationally design new macromolecular structures.