Erik Alexanian

Professor

Synthetic Organic and Organometallic Chemistry, Catalysis

Research in our group focuses on the development of enabling reaction methods in chemical synthesis. These projects aim to address important challenges facing society, ranging from the sustainable synthesis of small molecules to treat human disease, to the upcycling of post-consumer plastic waste.  A primary focus is the late-stage functionalization of unactivated C–H bonds in both small molecules and polymers to efficiently access complex molecules and materials with enhanced properties. We also pursue the development of new modes of reactivity in transition metal catalysis, with an emphasis on the use of common molecular feedstocks and earth-abundant first-row catalysts.

A.B. Chemistry, Harvard University, 2001; Ph.D. Princeton University, 2006; NIH Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2006-2008