Title:

Developing Organometallic Tools to Exert Electrochemical and Molecular Control Over Catalysis

Abstract: 

(Electro)catalysis provides unique opportunities to synthesize valuable commodity and fine chemicals. However, controlling the chemo-, regio-, and stereoselectivity of (electro)catalytic transformations can be challenging due to even subtle shifts in substrate or catalyst structure leading to outsized changes in overall yield and selectivity. The Bruch Lab will tackle these challenges head on by developing organometallic tools to accelerate the optimization of existing (electro)catalytic reactions as well as the development of wholly new processes. To achieve this goal, we will first develop insight into the structure-function and condition-function relationships that underpin (electro)catalysis. Subsequently, we will leverage this quantitative understanding to derive predictive power over reactivity, allowing us to select optimal catalyst/substrate structures and reaction conditions to achieve the synthesis of targeted products. In initial efforts, my research group will develop tools to (1) control regioselectivity in catalysis using molecular recognition frameworks in the secondary coordination sphere, (2) identify, quantify, and predict optimal electrochemical parameters in electrosynthesis, and (3) control chemoselectivity in the electrocatalytic valorization of CO2 to ≥C2 products.