Chemistry and Materials Science Seminar: Dr. Shauna Paradine

Chemistry and Materials Science Seminar
Catalytic Strategies for the Selective Construction of SP3-Rich Organic Scaffold
Dr. Shauna Paradine
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
University of Rochester

Zoom Registration Link

Abstract:
The topological complexity of sp3-rich scaffolds imparts specific beneficial properties into organic small molecules and enables refined tuning of a molecule’s properties. However, this complexity amplifies both reactivity and selectivity challenges, making the development of versatile methods to construct and diversify these structures difficult. By combining fundamental advances in transition metal catalysis with organic synthesis, we aim to discover new reactions to solve unmet challenges in the construction of functional sp3-rich organic scaffolds. In one area, we have found that identifying “unconventional” ligand platforms for palladium catalysis leads to new reactivity and selectivity in olefin heteroannulation reactions. In another area, we have found that copper complexes can promote oxidative radical addition reactions.

Speaker Bio:
A native of rural southwest Michigan, Shauna obtained her B.A. in chemistry from Albion College, working with Prof. Andrew French with summer research stints at Cardiff University in Wales and Uni Mainz in Germany. She pursued her graduate studies with Prof. M. Christina White at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her Ph.D. research focused on pioneering the development of site- and chemoselective iron- and manganese-catalyzed C(sp3)─H amination reactions. Shauna’s passion for catalysis next led her to Prof. Eric N. Jacobsen’s lab at Harvard University, where she was a NIH Postdoctoral Fellow. Her research there entailed the use of co-catalysis with chiral dual hydrogen bond donors for the development of efficient chemo- and enantioselective multicomponent reactions. She began her independent career in July 2018 at the University of Rochester, where her group’s research focuses on developing novel catalytic strategies for the construction of sp3-rich organic scaffolds.

Intended Audience:
Undergraduates, graduates, experts. Those with interest in the topic.

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