NCSI: Mechanisms of Stille Cross-Coupling Reactions

Status	Completed
Mentor Name	Buck Taylor
Mentor's XSEDE Affiliation	Research Allocation
Mentor Has Been in XSEDE Community	1-2 years
Project Title	Mechanisms of Stille Cross-Coupling Reactions
Summary	The Stille cross coupling is a robust and versatile method to construct C-C bonds, widely used in organic synthesis. Perplexingly, the stereochemistry of the reaction is currently unpredictable, with both inversion and retention of chiral centers reported. We are using DFT (density functional theory) studies in Gaussian to understand the mechanism of these reactions, particularly the step in which stereochemistry is controlled. We will develop a predictable model that makes Stille reactions more useful for the construction of chiral centers in organic synthesis.
Job Description	Students will use GaussView (and similar programs) to build molecular structures and prepare Gaussian input files. They will submit, monitor, and troubleshoot jobs on XSEDE resources, with guidance from the PI and other lab members. DFT calculations will be performed on reactants, intermediates, and transition states. Energies and other properties will be tabulated using simple Python scripts. Students will analyze these data to understand the most favorable reaction pathway for each system. The position will include weekly group meetings, occasional meetings with the wider research program at U.P., and presentation of results at the end of the summer.
Computational Resources	We have a research allocation on SDSC Comet and PSC Bridges. We use these allocations to run dozens of simultaneous Gaussian jobs (typically 12 cores per job).
Contribution to Community
Position Type	Apprentice
Training Plan	Students should have a background in chemistry, and be familiar with building structures in GaussView, preparing an input file, and submitting jobs to a cluster. Students will improve their skills in troubleshooting Gaussian jobs independently. Students will receive training in more advanced techniques and scripting, including Natural Bond Order analysis, to further understand the chemistry of their system. Students will be expected to grow more independent in their work, setting their own objectives, and presenting their work to other researchers.
Student Prerequisites/Conditions/Qualifications
Duration	Summer
Start Date	05/26/2020
End Date	07/31/2020