Dr. William WHitehurst

Principal Research Interests

• Organometallic chemistry
• Transition metal catalysis
• Asymmetric synthesis

The Whitehurst Research Group works on the development of transition metal catalysis for organic synthesis transformations through the discovery of new catalysts and reagents. We are primarily focused on the structure and reactivity of high oxidation state organometallic complexes of earth-abundant transition metals, inspired by Nature’s precedent for performing metal-catalyzed reactions with tolerance of air and moisture.

Overarching research aims include (I) expanding catalyst space beyond classical vitamin B12 and heme model complexes by the design of new multidentate ligand systems, (II) controlling stereochemical outcomes in the interactions of reactive carbon-centered radicals with metal centers, (III) late-stage functionalization of bio-active compounds, and (IV) characterization of oxidized organometallic intermediates relevant to bond formation or bond activation processes. A strong emphasis is placed on training group members to attain technical proficiency in areas of synthetic chemistry related to organic and transition metal chemistry.

Representative Publications

• Whitehurst, W. G.; Kim, J.; Koenig, S. G.; Chirik, P. J. C–H Activation by Isolable Cationic Bis(phosphine) Cobalt(III) Metallacycles. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2022, 144, 19186–19195.
• Whitehurst, W. G.; Kim, J.; Koenig, S. G.; Chirik, P. J. Three-Component Coupling of Arenes, Ethylene, and Alkynes Catalyzed by a Cationic Bis(phosphine) Cobalt Complex: Intercepting Metallacyclopentenes for C–H Functionalization. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2022, 144, 4530–4540.
• Whitehurst, W. G.; Gaunt, M. J. Synthesis and Reactivity of Stable Alkyl-Pd(IV) Complexes Relevant to Monodentate N-directed C(sp3)–H Functionalization Processes. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2020, 142, 14169–14177.
• Kumar, R.; Flodén, N. J.; Whitehurst, W. G.; Gaunt, M. J. A General Carbonyl Alkylative Amination for Tertiary Amine Synthesis. Nature 2020, 581, 415–420.