
Assistant Professor
Research
The Derosa Lab focuses on challenges and opportunities in transition metal catalysis and organic synthesis, with a particular interest in (electro)catalyst development. The overarching theme is redox-controlled catalysis, where judicious tuning of the catalyst and applied electrochemical potential unlocks new reactivity. These projects will involve interdisciplinary, yet complementary, areas of research; along with extensive training in organic synthesis and methods development at its core, students will gain mastery in inorganic and organometallic chemistry as well as electroanalytical techniques. Moreover, the catalytic manifolds developed in will have direct application across a wide range of subdisciplines, offering rich collaborative opportunities in diverse areas of research. This offers exciting opportunities for translational research in medicinal and process chemistry.
- Transition Metal Catalysis – Broadly speaking, transition metal catalysis has served as a key driver for exploration of organometallic solutions to synthetic organic problems. In our group, we seek to develop new catalysts to improve and enable new cross-coupling reactions. Initial efforts will be focused on oxidative cross-couplings, which are less explored compared to their traditional and reductive counterparts, for unique types of bond-forming reactions.
- Electrochemical Methods – Electrosynthesis has experienced a revolutionary resurgence in the last decade, particularly in the realm of organic synthesis. Using electroanalytical chemistry to guide reaction development, our group will operate at the forefront of electrocatalysis using controlled-potential electrolysis (CPE) to enable processes otherwise challenging by chemical means. Specifically, we will be working in the area of redox mediator development to drive reactions at lower energetic costs and driving forces. While organic-focused at its core, there are ample opportunities in designing electrocatalysts for inorganic processes involving small molecules; sustainable synthesis using renewably-sourced energy has profound impacts on a wide range of disciplines.
Derosa Lab Website
Publications
Techniques & Resources
Students and researchers in the Derosa Lab will have the opportunity to become experts at the interface of organic synthesis, catalysis, and electrochemistry. Organometallic chemistry will also serve as a cornerstone for catalyst design and the feedback loop of reaction-guided discovery. Students will perform multi-step synthetic sequences, gain expertise in inert atmosphere operations using a Schlenk manifold and glovebox, and interrogate reaction mechanisms. We anticipate that the methods developed will allow for both academic and industrial collaborations, exposing researchers to translational research and applications. In addition to standard synthetic organic laboratory equipment, the lab will be equipped with an MBraun double glovebox, Biologic potentiostats, ElectraSyn packages, and a 6-solvent purification system.
Group meetings are anticipated to be dynamic in nature, providing substantial training in problem-solving and public speaking/scientific communication skills. These will be open to join for anyone interested, please feel free to email for more information.
What’s Next for Graduates of the Derosa Group?
Members of the Derosa Lab will gain mastery in synthetic organic chemistry, organometallic catalysis, and electrochemistry. This will undoubtedly prepare them well for a variety of careers at various stages, as well as bring new chemical perspectives to their ultimate destination. Undergraduates will be well-poised for continuing their training in graduate school or starting an industrial position. Graduate students will be competitive applicants for postdoctoral fellowships and/or industrial careers. Postdoctoral associates will assist in leading projects and mentor students, making them excellent candidates for either academic or industrial careers.