Speaker: Dr. Wei Liu

Affiliation: University of Cincinnati

Time: 10:00-11:30, February 28, 2025

Location: Lecture Hall, 2nd Floor, Building 6, Zhangjiang Campus

Host: Tenured Prof. Chen Zhu

Abstract：

The ability of transition metals to reach high oxidation states, particularly among second- and third-row transition metals, has enabled the development of various catalytic transformations. However, the reactivity and catalytic potential of high-valent intermediates in earth abundant metals, especially first-row late transition metals, remain poorly understood. This talk will highlight recent advances from our group in understanding the synthetic accessibility of high-valent copper complexes and their catalytic relevance. Furthermore, I will discuss our efforts to harness these elusive intermediates to develop new catalytic modes for the synthesis of biologically active molecules and their applications in biomedical imaging.

Brief introduction：

Wei completed his undergraduate studies at Peking University under the supervision of Prof. Gu Yuan. In 2008, he moved to Princeton University for the doctoral studies under the supervision of Prof. John T. Groves, focusing on metalloporphyrin-catalyzed C-H halogenation reactions. Wei then joined the Chang lab at Berkeley as a postdoctoral researcher. Before moving to the Department of Chemistry at University of Cincinnati in August 2020 as an assistant professor, he spent three years at Miami’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.