Scott E. Denmark

Bio: Scott E. Denmark is an academic researcher from University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign. The author has contributed to research in topics: Lewis acids and bases & Enantioselective synthesis. The author has an hindex of 85, co-authored 723 publications receiving 27078 citations. Previous affiliations of Scott E. Denmark include A. N. Nesmeyanov Institute of Organoelement Compounds & Urbana University.

Lewis Base Catalysis in Organic Synthesis

Abstract: The legacy of Gilbert Newton Lewis (1875-1946) pervades the lexicon of chemical bonding and reactivity. The power of his concept of donor-acceptor bonding is evident in the eponymous foundations of electron-pair acceptors (Lewis acids) and donors (Lewis bases). Lewis recognized that acids are not restricted to those substances that contain hydrogen (Bronsted acids), and helped overthrow the "modern cult of the proton". His discovery ushered in the use of Lewis acids as reagents and catalysts for organic reactions. However, in recent years, the recognition that Lewis bases can also serve in this capacity has grown enormously. Most importantly, it has become increasingly apparent that the behavior of Lewis bases as agents for promoting chemical reactions is not merely as an electronic complement of the cognate Lewis acids: in fact Lewis bases are capable of enhancing both the electrophilic and nucleophilic character of molecules to which they are bound. This diversity of behavior leads to a remarkable versatility for the catalysis of reactions by Lewis bases.

Tandem [4+2]/[3+2] Cycloadditions of Nitroalkenes.

Abstract: Insofar as one of the fundamental objectives of organic synthesis is the construction of complex molecules from simpler ones, the importance of synthetic efficiency becomes immediately apparent and has been well-recognized.1 The increase in molecular complexity2 that necessarily accompanies the course of a synthesis provides a guide (and a measure) of synthetic efficiency. As a goal, one would like to optimally match the change in molecular complexity at each step with reactions of comparable synthetic complexity. Thus, the creation of many bonds, rings, and stereocenters in a single transformation is a necessary (though not sufficient) condition for high synthetic efficiency. The ultimate, perfect match would constitute single-step syntheses. More realistically, especially in view of the desire for general synthetic methods, the combination of mulScott E. Denmark was born in New York in 1953. He obtained an S.B. degree from MIT in 1975 and carried out research with Daniel Kemp and Richard Holm. His graduate studies at the ETH-Zurich with Albert Eschenmoser culminated with the D. Sc. Tech. degree in 1980. That same year he joined the faculty of the University of Illinois at UrbanasChampaign and was promoted to full professor in 1987. In 1991 he was named the Reynold C. Fuson Professor of Chemistry. His research interests are primarily in the invention of new synthetic reactions, structure and reactivity of organoelement reagents, and the origin of stereocontrol in fundamental carbon−carbon bond forming reactions.

Palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of organosilanols and their salts: practical alternatives to boron- and tin-based methods.

Abstract: In the panoply of modern synthetic methods for forming carbon−carbon and carbon−heteroatom bonds, the transition metal-catalyzed cross-coupling of organometallic nucleophiles with organic electrophiles enjoys a preeminent status. The preparative utility of these reactions is, in large measure, a consequence of the wide variety of organometallic donors that have been conscripted into service. The most common of these reagents are organic derivatives of tin, boron, and zinc, which each possess unique advantages and shortcomings. Because of their low cost, low toxicity, and high chemical stability, organosilanes have emerged as viable alternatives to the conventional reagents in recent years. However, unlike the tin- and zinc-based reactions, which require no activation, or the boron-based reactions, which require only heating with mild bases, silicon-based cross-coupling reactions often require heating in the presence of a fluoride source; this has significantly hampered the widespread acceptance of organos...

Catalytic, Asymmetric Halofunctionalization of Alkenes—A Critical Perspective

Abstract: Despite the fact that halogenation of alkenes has been known for centuries, enantioselective variants of this reaction have only recently been developed. In the past three years, catalytic enantioselective versions of halofunctionalizations with the four common halogens have appeared and although important breakthroughs, they represent just the very beginnings of a nascent field. This Minireview provides a critical analysis of the challenges that accompany the development of general and highly enantioselective halofunctionalization reactions. Moreover, the focus herein, diverges from previous reviews of the field by identifying the various modes of catalysis and the different strategies implemented for asymmetric induction.

Phd by thesis

Abstract: Deposits of clastic carbonate-dominated (calciclastic) sedimentary slope systems in the rock record have been identified mostly as linearly-consistent carbonate apron deposits, even though most ancient clastic carbonate slope deposits fit the submarine fan systems better. Calciclastic submarine fans are consequently rarely described and are poorly understood. Subsequently, very little is known especially in mud-dominated calciclastic submarine fan systems. Presented in this study are a sedimentological core and petrographic characterisation of samples from eleven boreholes from the Lower Carboniferous of Bowland Basin (Northwest England) that reveals a >250 m thick calciturbidite complex deposited in a calciclastic submarine fan setting. Seven facies are recognised from core and thin section characterisation and are grouped into three carbonate turbidite sequences. They include: 1) Calciturbidites, comprising mostly of highto low-density, wavy-laminated bioclast-rich facies; 2) low-density densite mudstones which are characterised by planar laminated and unlaminated muddominated facies; and 3) Calcidebrites which are muddy or hyper-concentrated debrisflow deposits occurring as poorly-sorted, chaotic, mud-supported floatstones. These

Palladium(II)-catalyzed C-H activation/C-C cross-coupling reactions: versatility and practicality.

Abstract: Pick your Pd partners: A number of catalytic systems have been developed for palladium-catalyzed CH activation/CC bond formation. Recent studies concerning the palladium(II)-catalyzed coupling of CH bonds with organometallic reagents through a PdII/Pd0 catalytic cycle are discussed (see scheme), and the versatility and practicality of this new mode of catalysis are presented. Unaddressed questions and the potential for development in the field are also addressed. In the past decade, palladium-catalyzed CH activation/CC bond-forming reactions have emerged as promising new catalytic transformations; however, development in this field is still at an early stage compared to the state of the art in cross-coupling reactions using aryl and alkyl halides. This Review begins with a brief introduction of four extensively investigated modes of catalysis for forming CC bonds from CH bonds: PdII/Pd0, PdII/PdIV, Pd0/PdII/PdIV, and Pd0/PdII catalysis. A more detailed discussion is then directed towards the recent development of palladium(II)-catalyzed coupling of CH bonds with organometallic reagents through a PdII/Pd0 catalytic cycle. Despite the progress made to date, improving the versatility and practicality of this new reaction remains a tremendous challenge.