Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

Synthetic investigations into architecturally complex targets often lead to innovative and creative bond disconnections. Our research, therefore, uses natural products as inspiration for the development of new synthetic methodology.  This new methodology encompasses the use of organometallic reagents for the development of new bond construction techniques, the enantioselective synthesis of building blocks for total synthesis, and the development and evaluation of cascade processes for the rapid, diastereoselective synthesis of densely functionalized molecules.         Central to all of the goals of my research program is the use of highly reactive organic compounds and metal complexes, whether they are asymmetric catalysts, sensitive organic intermediates, or palladium catalysts for cascade reactions.  Most of these compounds and complexes are both air- and moisture-sensitive, and must be handled under inert atmosphere using rigorously dried solvents.  We currently do not have the capability to adequately store and manipulate the highly reactive complexes we use daily.  A glove box with a solvent purification system is therefore essential for every aspect of this research program.