RUI: Syntheses, Structures, and Reactions of Strained Cyclic Allenes

这一奖项来自化学系化学结构、动力学和机理项目，支持了缅因州沃特维尔科尔比学院化学系的Dasan M.Thamattoor教授对下列课题的探索：1)通过螺戊烷的新型分解生成应变联烯化合物；2)合成稳定到足以形成适合X射线衍射的晶体的1，2环庚二烯和1，2环辛二烯衍生物；3)开发热裂解方法将环烯基卡宾转化为应变环烯丙烯。使用密度泛函理论(DFT)的计算研究将与实验并行进行，以深入了解产品的稳定性和反应路径。这项拟议的工作融合了合成、机械和计算有机化学的元素，旨在为本科生提供健康的研究体验，使他们能够对科学知识做出原创性贡献。如上所述，这项研究最重要的更广泛的影响之一是指导本科生研究人员，并在以本科生为主的机构中将他们培训为未来的科学家。在已经取得成功的方法的基础上，将实施一些融合研究和教育的想法。例如，在有机化学实验室入门课程中纳入了类似研究的项目和新的教学实验，就是例证。该提案还寻求继续塔马托尔教授非常成功的项目，该项目在夏季几个月为高中生提供研究机会。还将招募妇女、少数族裔和弱势背景的学生参加暑期研究活动。此外，还将推出一项新举措，与小学教师结成伙伴关系，具体加强K-3年级的科学课程。最后，预计将阐明一些重要的基本化学反应途径。

This award from the Chemical Structure, Dynamics and Mechanism Program of the Division of Chemistry supports Professor Dasan M. Thamattoor of the Chemistry Department at Colby College in Waterville, ME in his exploration of the following topics: 1) Generation of strained allene compounds via novel decomposition of spiropentanes; 2) Synthesis of derivatives of 1,2 cycloheptadiene and 1,2 cyclooctadiene that are stable enough to form crystals suitable for x-ray diffraction, and 3) Development of pyrolysis methods for converting cycloalkenylcarbenes to strained cyclic allenes. Computational studies using Density Functional Theory (DFT) would be done in parallel with the experiments to provide insight into product stabilities and reaction pathways. The proposed work, which integrates elements of synthetic, mechanistic, and computational organic chemistry, is designed to provide undergraduates with a wholesome research experience, and enable them to make original contributions to scientific knowledge. Among the most important broader impacts of this research, as mentioned above, is the mentoring of undergraduate researchers and training them as future scientists in a predominantly undergraduate institution. A number of ideas for melding research and education, based on approaches that have already met with success, will be implemented. This is exemplified, for instance, by the incorporation of research-like projects and new pedagogical experiments in the introductory organic chemistry laboratory course. The proposal also seeks to continue Prof. Thamattoor's highly successful program that provides research opportunities to high school students over the summer months. Women, minorities, and students from disadvantaged backgrounds will also be recruited to participate in summer research activities. In addition, there will be new initiative that forges partnerships with elementary school teachers to specifically strengthen the science curriculum in the K-3 level. Finally, it is expected that a number of important fundamental chemical reaction pathways will be elucidated.