Regular biography
Ross A. Widenhoefer is a Professor of Chemistry at Duke University, affiliated with the Chemistry department. His research group focuses on the development and mechanistic analysis of organotransition metal-catalyzed transformations for the synthesis of functionalized organic molecules. Specific areas of interest include the functionalization of C–C multiple bonds with carbon and heteroatom nucleophiles catalyzed by electrophilic late transition metal complexes, with a recent emphasis on gold(I) pi-activation catalysis. Current research projects involve gold(I) and Pt(II)-catalyzed hydroamination of alkenes and allenes, gold(I)-catalyzed dehydrative amination of underivatized allylic alcohols, and the synthesis and study of cationic, two-coordinate gold pi-complexes. His work also explores the role of bis(gold) complexes in gold pi-activation catalysis.