Dr. Ross Widenhoefer

Biography

Ross Widenhoefer is a Professor of Chemistry at Duke University since 2007, specializing in organotransition metal-catalyzed transformations for the synthesis of functionalized organic molecules. His research group focuses on the mechanistic analysis and development of methodologies for the functionalization of C–C multiple bonds using carbon and heteroatom nucleophiles and catalyzed by electrophilic late transition metal complexes. His recent interests lie in the areas of synthetic and mechanistic aspects of gold(I) chemistry. He has made significant contributions to enhancing catalytic enantioselectivity and exploring kinetic mechanisms in his studies. Notable publications include research on strain-dependent enantioselectivity in mechanochemically coupled catalytic hydrogenation and improvements in catalytic selectivity through polymer networks.

Research Interests