Williams, Catherine Marie, authorRovis, Tomislav, advisorWood, John L., committee memberFinke, Richard G., committee memberShores, Matthew P., committee memberMcNeil, Michael R., committee member2007-01-032007-01-032011http://hdl.handle.net/10217/48168A method for the nickel-catalyzed hydrocarboxylation of styrene derivatives has been developed that affords exclusively the branched carboxylic acids in moderate to excellent yields. The reaction scope is tolerant of a variety of electron-deficient ortho-, meta-, and para-styrene analogues containing ester, ketone, nitrile, and halide functionalities. The reaction is remarkably efficient, proceeding well with as little as 1 mol% Ni(acac)2 and 2 mol% Cs2CO3. A system for carbon dioxide sequestration and release in organic polymers has been investigated. Although evidence supporting successful carbon dioxide fixation has been found, the envisioned system is not a practical means of sequestration and release. A rapid approach for the synthesis of Abyssomicin C has been developed utilizing the desymmetrization of meso-dimethylglutaric anhydride. Closely modeled after Sorensen's synthesis, our route bypasses the more inefficient beginning steps to intercept the completed synthesis at the Diels-Alder precursor.born digitaldoctoral dissertationsengCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.anhydride desymmetrizationorganometallicmetallacyclesText