July 01, 2016

Charge rearrangement is fundamental to successful organic synthesis. Understanding charge stability of the carbons in intermediates allows more accurate predictions of the major final product will be. We accurately predicted the product of SN1 substitution reaction of 2,4-dimethyl-3-pentanol and Lucas’s reagent (HCl/ZnCl2) to be 2-chloro-2,4-dimethylpentane (3) as a result of a 1,2-hydride shift during intermediate stages. Results of 13C NMR as well as H NMR analysis supported this conclusion.

May 23, 2016

Dogs are a powerful tool; playing a vital and sustaining role in the lives of many people with disabilities and affording them independence that they would not otherwise be able to attain. Many dogs work alongside their human handlers in the police and military, protecting and serving their community and country (Wilsson and Sundgren 1997). For countless others, Fido is a member of the family, a true friend and companion. Understanding the mechanisms that forge this interspecific bond will allow us to better take advantage of our unique relationship with dogs.