# Theodore Betley Erving Professor of Chemistry Director of Graduate Studies (Accepting Graduate Students) ![A headshot of Professor Ted Betley](/sites/g/files/omnuum7776/files/styles/hwp_4_5__480x600/public/chemistry/files/betley_bwback_smallsquare.jpg?itok=YjQlN6kc) location\_on 12 Oxford StreetMallinckrodt 306D.2Cambridge, MA 02138 smartphone [617-496-9944](tel:617-496-9944) email laptop\_windows [Betley Research Group](http://betleylab.chemistry.harvard.edu/) Laboratory Manager/Administrator: [Pamela Hernandez](mailto:phernandez@fas.harvard.edu) The Betley group works in the field of synthetic inorganic chemistry to design new complexes capable of activating unreactive chemical bonds. We design catalysts comprised of first-row transition elements where precise control of the molecular electronic structure leads to reactivity in organometallic catalysis and small molecule activation. Using nominally high-spin complexes, we have discovered reactive iron-based catalysts for C–H bond functionalization and polynuclear complexes capable of effecting multi-electron, small molecule activation reactions. This work relies on expertise in air-free synthesis and wide array of spectroscopic and theoretical analysis. Prior to joining Harvard, Ted completed a BSE in Chemical Engineering at the University of Michigan, a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry at Caltech under the supervision of Jonas Peters, and a NRSA postdoctoral fellowship at MIT with Dan Nocera. Ted has been recognized by the Technology Review as one of the top 35 US technological innovators, as well as by the NSF, DOE, and DOD with Early Career Awards. - ## Faculty [Faculty](/faculty-lecturers/faculty) - ## Availability for Students [Accepting Graduate Students](/availability-students/accepting-students) - ## Research Group Affiliations [Betley Group Members](/labs/betley-group) - ## Research Areas [Analytical](/research-areas/analytical) [Catalysis](/research-areas/catalysis) [Energy Related](/research-areas/energy-related) [Inorganic](/research-areas/inorganic) [Organometallics](/research-areas/organometallics)