Research Vision
The Keske Research Group develops new catalytic reactions through a combination of synthetic chemistry, mechanistic investigation, and catalyst design. We believe that understanding why catalytic reactions succeed—or fail—is essential for developing the next generation of catalysts and synthetic methodology. Our research integrates synthetic organic chemistry, kinetics, in situ reaction monitoring, and computational chemistry to uncover the factors governing catalyst activity and selectivity, using these insights to guide the design of new reactions, ligands, substrates and catalytic systems. It is our goal that all developments made by the Keske Research Group will be practical, and directly applicable for target oriented synthesis
Catalyst Development
Mechanistic insight is translated into catalyst design through the development of modular ligand platforms for palladium and nickel catalysis. N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands often lead to highly active metal complexes in catalysis. However identifying optimal ligand properties with NHCs can be challenging as almost any modification to the NHC results in changes in both its steric and electronic properties. As such we have developed sterically modular NHC ligands which are electronically nearly identical. This allows research into the specific impacts increasing/decreasing steric parameters selectively. Our group is also interested in the remote functionalization of NHCs which permits modification to electronic parameters while keeping steric properties similar. This has allows research into the electronic impacts of the NHC ligands on catalysis.
Elucidation of Mechanisms
We investigate the elementary steps that control catalyst activity, selectivity, speciation and deactivation using kinetic analysis, reaction monitoring, NMR spectroscopy, and DFT calculations. We attempt to understand limitations of catalysts and processes so we can ultimately address them.
Synthetic Methodology
Our group is primarily associated with the development of cross coupling reactions, in particular those of which utilize mild conditions while activating challenging electrophiles. We use mechanistic insights to design new reactive electrophiles towards the practical preparation of high value products. All methodology projects are geared towards use in target oriented synthesis.
Fluorescent Materials
We design new tailor-made molecules featuring conjugated structures which display thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF). DFT methods are used to help predict and optimize structures for improved emission properties.