Nathan Kornblum

Bio: Nathan Kornblum is an academic researcher from Purdue University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Substitution reaction & Nitro. The author has an hindex of 30, co-authored 102 publications receiving 3663 citations. Previous affiliations of Nathan Kornblum include Harvard University.

Substitution Reactions Which Proceed via Radical Anion Intermediates

Abstract: A new type of substition process at a saturated carbon atom is described. These reactions, which proceed via a chain sequence in which radical anions and free radicals are intermediates, are noteworthy for providing novel and powerful means of synthesis: they occur readily under mild conditions, they give excellent yields of pure products, and, in contrast to SN2 displacements, they are rather insensitive to steric hindrance. As a consequence, radical anion processes are especially valuable for the preparation of highly branched structures. Many inorganic and organic anions readily enter into these displacements and, indeed, amines are also effective. Systems which undergo substitutions via this electron transfer mechanism include benzylic, cumylic, strictly aliphatic, and heterocyclic molecules. It is of interest that a number of groups which do not behave as leaving groups in SN2 displacements are readily displaced at room temperature from a satureted carbon atom via the radical anion-free radical pathway, e.g., nitro, azide, sulfone, and ether groups.

Organic Photoredox Catalysis

Abstract: In this review, we highlight the use of organic photoredox catalysts in a myriad of synthetic transformations with a range of applications. This overview is arranged by catalyst class where the photophysics and electrochemical characteristics of each is discussed to underscore the differences and advantages to each type of single electron redox agent. We highlight both net reductive and oxidative as well as redox neutral transformations that can be accomplished using purely organic photoredox-active catalysts. An overview of the basic photophysics and electron transfer theory is presented in order to provide a comprehensive guide for employing this class of catalysts in photoredox manifolds.

Superoxide Ion: Generation and Chemical Implications

Abstract: Superoxide ion (O2•–) is of great significance as a radical species implicated in diverse chemical and biological systems. However, the chemistry knowledge of O2•– is rather scarce. In addition, numerous studies on O2•– were conducted within the latter half of the 20th century. Therefore, the current advancement in technology and instrumentation will certainly provide better insights into mechanisms and products of O2•– reactions and thus will result in new findings. This review emphasizes the state-of-the-art research on O2•– so as to enable researchers to venture into future research. It comprises the main characteristics of O2•– followed by generation methods. The reaction types of O2•– are reviewed, and its potential applications including the destruction of hazardous chemicals, synthesis of organic compounds, and many other applications are highlighted. The O2•– environmental chemistry is also discussed. The detection methods of O2•– are categorized and elaborated. Special attention is given to the f...

Single-Electron Transfer and Single-Electron Transfer Degenerative Chain Transfer Living Radical Polymerization

Abstract: The special of Chemical Review informs about studies conducted on single-electron transfer and single-electron transfer degenerative chain transfer living radical polymerization. Researchers have demonstrated that living radical polymerization (LRP) can be significantly effective for the synthesis of tailored polymers. The special issue aims at covering the latest progress in two related polymerization methodologies that rely on single-electron transfer (SET), single-electron transfer degenerative chain transfer living radical polymerization (SET-DTLRP), and single-electron transfer living radical polymerization (SET-LRP). It is demonstrated that SET-DTLRP proceeds through SET initiation and competition of SET activation, deactivation, and degenerative transfer (DT). SET-LRP proceeds exclusively through a SET initiation, activation, and deactivation. It is also revealed that the two techniques have arose from investigations into Cu-catalyzed LRP initiated with sulfonyl halides.