Professor Kevin Brown (Indiana University Bloomington)

Title: Building Bonds with Boron

Abstract:

Boron chemistry is an indispensable tool in modern organic synthesis, leveraging boron's unique electronic and structural properties. Established applications, such as the hydroboration reaction and the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling, highlight its broad utility. This seminar will delve into novel uses of boron that enable the rapid synthesis of complex molecules with broad applications, including the development of alkene carboboration reactions for synthesizing essential building blocks in drug discovery, boron's role in directing cycloaddition reactions and C-H functionalization, and the application of boron in the modification of peptides. The discussion will cover mechanistic details, practical applications, and examples of industry collaboration, showcasing how these advancements contribute to modern chemical synthesis.

Biography:

Kevin grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and after graduating high school moved to central New York to pursue an undergraduate degree at Hamilton College. Here Kevin became interested in organic chemistry by working in the labs of Ian Rosenstein. Upon graduation, Kevin moved to Boston College and received his Ph.D. in organic chemistry with Professor Amir Hoveyda in 2008. Upon completion of his graduate studies, he began a Ruth L. Kirschstein National Institutes of Health funded postdoctoral fellowship in the laboratories of E. J. Corey at Harvard University. 

In 2011, Kevin started his independent academic career at Indiana University. He was promoted to Full professor in 2021 and named the James F. Jackson professor of chemistry. His program of research has been directed towards the development of new methods for chemical synthesis, with a focus on alkene functionalization reactions.  He has received several awards such as a Sloan Fellowship, Amgen Young Investigator Award, Novartis Early Career Award, and a Humboldt Fellowship for Experienced Researchers. 

In his free time Kevin enjoys spending time with his family and friends in both indoor and outdoor settings. His favorite outdoor pursuits include rock climbing, mountain biking, skiing, and running.