Theodore Betley

Theodore Betley is a Professor of Chemistry and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Chemistry at Harvard University. His research focuses on synthetic inorganic chemistry, particularly the design of new complexes capable of activating unreactive chemical bonds. His work involves the development of catalysts based on first-row transition elements, with an emphasis on organometallic catalysis and small molecule activation. Betley's research also explores C–H bond functionalization and multi-electron reactions using high-spin complexes. His group employs air-free synthesis and advanced spectroscopic and theoretical analysis. Prior to joining Harvard, Betley earned a BSE in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan, a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry from Caltech, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at MIT.