Our research is concerned with the chemistry of both electrophilic and Lewis acidic molecules.  While an important component of our work deals with the synthesis of new examples of such molecules, it is our ultimate intent to harness and utilize the Lewis acidic/electrophilic properties of such systems for the discovery of new reactions and bonding modes.  We are also interested in the use of such molecules in supramolecular chemistry.  Some of the projects in which we have been involved in the past few years are concerned with the chemistry of: 1) polyfunctional Lewis acids for the molecular recognition of both anionic and neutral electron rich species; 2) electroactive boranes and their reductions into radicals with one-electron boron-boron s-bonds and boron-carbon p-bonds; 3) polynuclear fluorinated organomercurials for the construction of supramolecules with unusual phosphorescent properties.

      Building on these earlier achievements, we are now studying the chemistry of cationic Lewis acids whose anion affinity is increased by favorable Coulombic effects.  These efforts, which constitute the main thrust of our current research, have led us to design anion receptors that can selectively capture small anions, including fluoride, cyanide and azide, in water. In addition to advancing fundamental science, this project is expected to lead to the development of useful environmental and biomedical applications.  Another project in which we are currently involved concerns the synthesis and redox properties of cationic main group compounds. While we have shown that cationic boranes can be reduced to produce stable neutral radicals, we are now trying to determine if analogous ideas could be applied to the generation of organophosphorus radicals starting from cationic species.

      In addition to synthesis which lies at the heart of all of our research projects, our research also involves extensive use of modern characterization techniques (UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, NMR and EPR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, electrochemistry) and computational methods (DFT calculations, AIM and NBO analysis).