Events in organic chemistry.

Organic Synthesis Lecture: Catalyst-enabled molecular nanocarbon synthesis and nanocarbon biology

Abstract: Molecular nanocarbons including nanographenes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are among the most important classes of compounds, with potential applications in nearly all areas of science and technology. Typically, molecular nanocarbons are structurally simple assemblies of benzene-based hexagons and one can imaginarily build up a range of structures with ease and the theoretically possible number of molecular nanocarbon structures (planar and nonplanar) is extraordinary.

Pd0-catalyzed enantioselective C–H activation

Abstract:

In the past couple of decades, most of the research efforts of our group have been dedicated to the functionalization of non-activated C(sp3)–H and C(sp2)–H bonds using catalysis by palladium(0) complexes.1 In recent years, we have developed enantioselective versions of such reactions by employing different types of chiral catalysts (ancillary ligand,2 base3 or bifunctional system4), which enable the control of various stereogenic elements (center,5 axis,6 helix7).8 This lecture will present our latest results in this rapidly developing field.

Transformations of Alkenes using Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Nickel-Hydride Catalysts

Abstract: Surface Organometallic Chemistry is an approach to synthesizing heterogeneous catalysts with molecular precision and relies on knowledge of homogeneous organometallic reactions. In our lab, we aim to install active sites on surfaces using oxidative addition of low-valent metal centers to surface functional groups. This strategy is a complementary route to the more common approaches (e.g., protonolysis of metal-ligand bonds by acidic surface sites) taken in surface organometallic chemistry.

Pushing the Limits of Polymer Synthesis

The coupling of controlled polymerizations with orthogonal Click functionalization are critical design elements for the synthesis of well-defined macromolecular architectures and crosslinked networks for applications ranging from bio-adhesives to structural composites. In synthesizing these functional materials, the development of user-friendly approaches to the preparation of polymeric libraries and the discovery of sustainable monomers and building blocks are key to obtaining materials with exceptional properties while introducing desirable features such as degradability.

Gut Microbial Chemistry in Health and Disease

Abstract: Human-associated bacteria play a vital role in human health, and microbial imbalance has been linked to a wide range of disease states. However, the ways in which bacteria affect the host at a molecular level remain poorly understood. In order to harness connections between the microbiome and disease to improve human health, we need to know more about the molecules and chemical mechanisms driving host-microbiota interactions.

ON DISCOVERY AND SENSITIVITY IN (PHOTO)CATALYSIS

Abstract: Catalysis is a key technology, since it allows for increased levels of selectivity and efficacy of chemical transformations. While significant progress can be made by rational design or engineered step-by-step improvements, many pressing challenges in the field require the discovery of new and formerly unexpected results. Arguably, the question “How to discover?” is at the heart of the scientific process.

Break-it-to-Make-it Strategies for Chemical Synthesis Inspired by Complex Natural Products

Natural products continue to inspire and serve as the basis of new medicines. They also provide intricate problems that expose limitations in the strategies and methods employed in chemical synthesis. Several strategies and methods that have been developed in our laboratory and applied to the syntheses of architecturally complex natural products will be discussed.

CANCELLED: New Strategies to Prevent Premature Birth and Break Strong Bonds

Abstract: Carbohydrates are the most abundant organic molecules on earth and are critical to a myriad of biological processes. The Vanderbilt Laboratory for Glycoscience uses a blend of synthetic organic chemistry and microbiology to elucidate the biological roles of carbohydrates, with a foci on advances in chemical synthesis and learning new mechanistic concepts. Our discussion will be divided into two categories: (1) the synthesis of structurally and biologically compelling complex carbohydrates, and (2) application of the host defense properties of human milk.

Reading and rewriting protein modifications in cells

Abstract: Nature regulates many biological processes through post-translational modifications that modify protein activity and relay signals through protein networks. Interpretation of how nature uses these modifications will provide new insights to biological regulation, and open new frontiers in the design of therapeutic modalities that mimic nature to treat human disease.

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