Palladium(II) is widely recognized as a versatile oxidant for organic molecules, but most of these reactions require the use of stoichiometric Pd or stoichiometric cooxidants such as benzoquinone or CuCl₂. Consequently, research in homogeneous palladium catalysis over the past three decades has been dominated by non-oxidative cross-coupling reactions. Our recent research has contributed to a renewed interest in Pd-catalyzed aerobic oxidation reactions by elucidating mechanistic features of dioxygen-coupled Pd oxidation catalysis and introducing new aerobic oxidative transformations for organic chemistry.

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Biological polyamides (proteins) display sophisticated functions, which result from specific folding
behavior and precise monomer sequence. By contrast, synthetic polyamides (i.e., nylons) are
generally derived from a single monomer unit do not possess a defined three-dimensional structure.
In collaboration with Prof. Sam Gellman (UW-Madison), we seek to use amide exchange catalysts to
prepare and manipulate polyamides with extended secondary structures and spatially defined arrays
of sidechains that are reminiscent of biopolymers. Ultimately, we target amide exchange reactions
that will be conducted under thermodynamic control in order to apply the principles of dynamic
covalent chemistry to amide-based molecules. Under thermodynamically controlled conditions,
internal non-covalent interactions or interactions with external templates can direct the formation
of materials not readily accessible by other methods.