Chemical Society Seminar: Saurabh Chitnis - Distant Cousins: Exploring the Group 13/15 Diagonal Relationship

Zoom link: https://mcgill.zoom.us/j/96260371546

Abstract:

“Structure defines function” is axiomatic in physical sciences across several length scales. We use strategic geometric adjustments to elicit new reactivity from heavy p-block element molecules. We are particularly inspired by the rich chemistry known for light Group 13 elements, which has many applications. This talk will describe how our attempts to geometrically recreate such chemistry in heavy Group 15 elements has led to the discovery of very similar but, importantly, also complementary reactivity. In this way, the somewhat non-intuitive notion of a diagonal relationship between the lightest group 13 element – B – and the heaviest group 15 elements – Sb and Bi – will be developed, and its potential applications in organic synthesis will be discussed.

Bio:

Saurabh Chitnis obtained his PhD with Neil Burford at the University of Victoria (2015) with a 6-month stint at TU-Dresden (Germany). He then performed postdoctoral work in the UK with Ian Manners (Bristol) as a apply this thinking to heavy p-block element molecules and Banting Fellow (2015-2017) and Doug Stephan in Toronto (2017-2018). He joined Dalhousie (Canada) in July 2018 where his research is revealing new electronic structures and reactivity at heavy main group centres. In his free time, Saurabh enjoys the rugged coastal beauty of Atlantic Canada and pretending that he is a master chef, despite ample evidence to the contrary.