This $221,000 National Science Foundation Division of Chemistry project grant supports the development of catalytic synthesis methods via small molecule evolution at the University of Kansas from September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2023. Professor Jon Tunge and his team are advancing strategies that utilize the inherent energy in molecules to enable efficient and sustainable chemical manufacturing processes. Their work focuses on the catalytic generation of reactive intermediates through decarboxylation and hydrogen evolution reactions to access synthetic compounds from inexpensive feedstocks with minimal waste generation. Cobalt catalysts are being used in place of traditional precious metal catalysts to allow for new reaction types. The funding also supports outreach and education activities to promote green chemistry principles and attract a diverse pool of students to science and engineering fields. This award is aligned with the National Science Foundation's Mathematical and Physical Sciences program to strengthen the nation's scientific enterprise through increasing fundamental knowledge in major problem areas.