Scott E. Denmark

Denmark has invented novel concepts in catalysis, provided new insights into chemical reactivity, and developed useful synthetic methods. His contributions to a diverse group of reaction classes are characterized by originality and experimental thoroughness. His approach is noted for his documentation of generality, attention to stereochemical issues, and extensive investigation of mechanistic underpinnings of transformations ranging from pericyclic reactions to organoelement chemistry. Specific areas of influence are the concept of chiral Lewis base activation of Lewis acids, chemistry and reactivity of organolithium, - phosphorus and - zinc compounds, tandem nitroalkene cycloadditions, and chemoinformatic analysis for the optimization of enantioselective catalysts.