Donald C. Kleinfelter, Organic Chemistry
Emeritus Professor
615 Buehler Hall, (865) 974-3392 EMAIL: KLEINFELTER@NOVELL.CHEM.UTK.EDU


Research

        "Rearrangement reactions in the bicyclo[2.2.1] heptane systems have intrigued organic chemists for over 50 years. My students and I have concentrated our more recent efforts on reactions of epoxides in this system. Our studies have included Grignard reactions, hydride reductions, and pinacol-type rearrangements in strongly acidic media.

        We have also studied the products of chromic acid oxidation of certain aryl-substituted tricyclic hydrocarbons, an oxidation presumably involving an epoxide intermediate prior to rearrangement. The cyclic hemiketal final products of the reactions demonstrate interesting physical and chemical properties. One of the former types is restricted rotation of two proximate aryl rings, a process studied by nuclear magnetic resonance. We are pursuing the chemical reactions of these hemiketals as well as studying what effect substituents on the aryl rings have on the barrier to free rotation."


Representative Publications


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