The University of Montana · ChemistryWang Lab
Dong Wang · Missoula, Montana
Research Focus
Dr. Dong Wang's lab at the University of Montana focuses on understanding how certain metal complexes can mimic the actions of enzymes that break and form chemical bonds. By developing advanced cobalt-based complexes, the team aims to unlock new ways to carry out complex chemical reactions that could lead to innovations in pharmaceuticals. Their work combines synthetic chemistry and molecular modeling to explore the potential of these unique complexes in biocatalysis and other applications.
catalysismetalloenzymescobalt complexesbond activationbond formationartificial metalloenzymesbioinspired chemistryhigh-valent metalssynthetic chemistrybiocatalysis
Research Aims
5AIM 01Develop high-valent dinuclear cobalt(IV)-oxo complexes for studying bond breaking and forming processes.
AIM 02Investigate the activation of inert aliphatic CH bonds using synthetic cobalt complexes.
AIM 03Explore reversible activation and formation of the OO bond in catalytic reactions.
AIM 04Study the formation of CX bonds via radical rebound mechanisms.
AIM 05Advance knowledge on enzymatic reactions to inform pharmaceutical development.
Skills the Lab Values
synthesis of metal complexesspectroscopic analysiscomputational modelingligand designreaction kineticsbiochemical assayscatalytic activity evaluationprotein engineeringorganic synthesisanalytical chemistry