Our research group focuses on the development and mechanistic study of transition metal catalyzed reactions for the formation of new carbon-carbon bonds. We are particularly interested in using the unique reactivity of late transition metals to engineer reactions to provide access to interesting bond disconnections. Our current areas of interest are: novel directing group strategies for catalysis, CO₂ fixation, and C-H functionalization reactions.

Representative Key Publications:

Tan, K.L.; Park S.; Ellman, J.A.; Bergman, R.G. “Intermolecular Coupling of Alkenes to Heterocycles via C-H Bond Activation.” J. Org. Chem. 2004, 69, 7329.

Tan, K.L.; Ellman, J.A.; Bergman, R.G. “Intermediacy of an N-Heterocyclic Carbene Complex in the Catalytic C-H Activation of a Substituted Benzimidazole.” J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2002, 124, 3202.

Tan, K.L.; Ellman, J.A.; Bergman, R.G. “Annulation of Alkenyl-Substituted Heterocycles via Rhodium-Catalyzed Intramolecular C-H Activated Coupling Reactions.” J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2001, 123, 2685.