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Ross A. Widenhoefer

Professor of Chemistry
Chemistry
Box 90346, Durham, NC 27708-0346
124 Science Drive, 2101 French Science Center, Durham, NC 27708

Overview


Research in the Widenhoefer group is directed toward the development and mechanistic analysis of new organotransition metal-catalyzed transformations for application in the synthesis of functionalized organic molecules. In particular, our group has a long-standing interest in the functionalization of C–C multiple bonds with carbon and heteroatom nucleophiles catalyzed by electrophilic late transition metal complexes, with a recent focus on the synthetic and mechanistic aspect of gold(I) pi-activation catalysis. Current areas of inquiry include the following: 1) Gold(I) and Pt(II)-catalyzed hydroamination of alkenes an allenes. 2) Gold(I)-catalyzed dehydrative amination of underivatized allylic alcohols. 3) Synthesis and study of cationic, two-coordinate gold pi-complexes. 4) Evaluating the role of bis(gold) complexes in gold pi-activation catalysis. More detailed descriptions of these research projects can be found at our group web page.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Professor of Chemistry · 2007 - Present Chemistry, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences

Recent Publications


Kinetics and Mechanism of the Protodeauration of Gold(I) β-Styrenyl Complexes

Journal Article Organometallics · June 9, 2025 Treatment of gold β-styrenyl complexes (E)-(PPh3)AuC(H)═C(H)(4-C6H4X) [X = H (1a), CN (1b), CF3 (1c), Me (1d), OMe (1e), and NMe2 (1f)] with excess acetic acid in CD2Cl2 containin ... Full text Cite

Syntheses and Structures of Cationic Bis(gold) Cyclopentadienyl Complexes

Journal Article Organometallics · January 13, 2025 The reaction of (P)AuOTf [P = P(t-Bu)2o-biphenyl] with the cyclopentadienyl lithium reagents C5H5Li, C5H4MeLi, and C5HMe4Li forms the corresponding gold η1-cyclopentadi ... Full text Cite

Cationic Bis(Gold) Indenyl Complexes.

Journal Article ChemPlusChem · June 2024 Reaction of (P)AuOTf [P=P(t-Bu)2o-biphenyl] with indenyl- or 3-methylindenyl lithium led to isolation of gold η1-indenyl complexes (P)Au(η1-inden-1-yl) (1 a) and (P)Au(η1-3-methylinden-1-yl) (1 b), respectively, ... Full text Cite
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Recent Grants


Multi-State Catalysts Modulated by Mechanical Force

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Department of Energy · 2017 - 2027

Transition Metal-Catalyzed Carbene Transfer Employing Diazirines

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by American Chemical Society · 2024 - 2026

Gold(I) Complexes Containing Unsaturated Hydrocarbyl Ligands

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2021 - 2024

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Education, Training & Certifications


University of Wisconsin, Madison · 1994 Ph.D.
Gustavus Adolphus College · 1989 B.A.