Special CBC Colloquium: "Photophysics of Photocatalytic and Radical Systems"

Presented by Dr. Vanessa Huxter

When

3:30 – 4:30 p.m., Sept. 26, 2024
Image
Photo of Dr. Vanessa Huxter in lab

 

Abstract:

Photoredox catalysis has enabled researchers to overcome previously intractable problems in organic synthesis. The use of light to drive catalysis has allowed for more selective reactions that generate both simple and complex molecules from renewable and economical starting materials under mild conditions. Using ultrafast broadband time-resolved spectroscopy, the Huxter group studies photoinduced single-electron transfer and electronic dynamics in photoredox catalytic and radical systems. These studies are revealing the complex mechanisms of photoredox catalytic reactions, including the involvement of reduced solvent as intermediates, multiple photoproducts as well as many productive and unproductive pathways. In addition, our experiments on neutral radical transition metal tripyrrindione systems with tunable redox-active chemistry have demonstrated selectable spin states, reversible antiferromagnetic coupling, and spin-dependent electronic relaxation.

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Vanessa Huxter

Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ

Hosted by: Dr. Oliver Monti