Yuanyuan Zhang
Yuanyuan is working on catalytically coupling CO2 and C2H4 to generate acrylate. New synthetic methods are been developed for (triphos)Mo0 to couple CO2 and C2H4 to yield (triphos)Mo(H)(PPh3)(O2CCHCH2). In collaboration with the Palmore group, electrochemical methods are being applied to eliminate acrylate and regenerate (triphos)Mo0 to form a catalytic cycle. The mechanism of this catalytic cycle also is being studied, offering guidance in the design of new catalysts.