Federal Grant Award Summary

The University of Rochester received a $550,692 Project Grant award from the National Science Foundation's Division of Chemistry under the Mathematical and Physical Sciences program (CFDA 47.049), effective February 15, 2026 through July 31, 2028. This award supports research to develop novel synthetic methodologies utilizing N-alkenylnitrones and N,O-dialkenylhydroxylamines as reactive intermediates to rapidly assemble complex molecules with defined three-dimensional structures. The research team is establishing modular synthetic routes from readily available reagents to generate these intermediates and systematically investigating their rearrangement reactivity and stereochemical control in carbon-carbon bond formation reactions, with the objective of expanding chemical space and improving synthetic efficiency for accessing biologically active molecules and new materials.

Beyond the research deliverables, this grant provides funding for workforce development activities, including graduate and undergraduate student training in organic synthesis and mechanistic chemistry. The project aims to lower barriers to undergraduate research participation and support student career development in chemistry, thereby contributing to the development of the chemical workforce. The outcomes of this research are expected to expand the fundamental understanding of pericyclic and cascade reactions, enhance the synthetic toolbox available to organic chemists, and ultimately support the discovery and accessibility of compounds with novel properties for medicinal and materials applications.