Transition Metal Catalyzed Cyclization of Poly-enes (2014)

Undergraduates: Jack Killion, Michael Geier

Faculty Advisor: Michel Gagne
Department: Chemistry

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Our Goal is to develop a new series of catalytic initiators of cascading cyclization of poly-olefins into fused-ring structures. Efficient synthesis of functionalized fused-ring molecules could lead to the creation of steroid and hormone-type treatments for pharmaceutical use. We are exploring the use of platinum complexes and attempting to develop a catalyst that is capable of turnover in the presence of mild one-electron reductants.