Current Research

Ion-Molecule Reactions in Analysis:  We use mass spectrometry to generate a wide variety of interesting ionic species (e.g., carbene radical cations, phosphenium ions, charged radicals, etc.) and examine their potential as structural tools for organic and biomolecules, including steroids and peptides. 

Gas Phase Synthesis: We are always looking for new ways to generate interesting ions by using the ion-manipulation power of mass spectrometry.

Laser Desorption Mass Spectrometry Methods: We are involved in developing laser methods for the desorption of nonvolatile and thermally labile  molecules into the gas phase for subsequent chemical ionization. The method that has shown the most promise to date, LIAD (Laser Induced Acoustic Desorption), involves using a laser to generate high-amplitude sound waves in thin metal foil to "shake" the molecules into the gas-phase. 

Fundamental Studies: Reaction kinetics, reaction mechanisms, thermochemistry; mass spectrometry related research (rearrangement reactions and thermochemistry of ions), organic chemistry (properties of reaction intermediates, such as radical cations, radicals, biradicals, and carbene ions ), inorganic chemistry (phosphenium ions, stibenium ions), biological chemistry (nucleobase radical cations, mechanism of radical induced DNA cleavage).

Theoretical Studies: Molecular orbital calculations on reaction intermediates (e.g., substituted phenyl radicals).

Lubrizol Corporation                           ExxonMobil Corporation