Tom Driver
Email Address: tgd@uic.eduCollege: Liberal Arts and Sciences Department: Chemistry
Title: Assistant Professor
Office: 3020B Phone: 312-996-9672
Participating in the Chancellor’s Undergraduate Research Awards program: Yes
Research Interest:
My research group is focused on the rational development of new transition metal-catalyzed methods that selectively transform simple molecules into functionalized N-heterocycles. Towards that end we are interested in (1) exploring the chemistry of azides and (2) functionalizing traditionally unreactive C–H bonds.
We have recently discovered a number of transition metal-catalyzed methods, which enable the conversion of azides to a variety of important N-heterocycles. We aim to elucidate the mechanism through which these processes operate and develop new methods based on our mechanistic conclusions.
In addition to the development of new reactions that involve azides, my group is also interested in using our methods to synthesize biologically active small molecules and N-heterocyclic semi-conductor for use in photovoltaics. Minimum time commitment in hours per week: 10 Qualifications of a Student:
minimum gpa 3.5
preferred major: Chemistry or Biochemistry
year in college: freshman, sophomore, junior
no prior experience required Brief Summary of what is expected from the student:
The student will work closely with one of my graduate students. Once the student is trained, they will be given their own independent research project. In addition to working in the lab, I expect that the student will also attend our weekly group meetings. The student will be given the opportunity to present their research accomplishments at a national chemistry meeting.
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