Nickel-Catalyzed Stereoselective Cross-Coupling and Cross-Electrophile Coupling Reactions of Aliphatic Alcohol Derivatives
Capabilities
Presented: January 29, 2026
About our Virtual Chemistry Lecture on Nickel-Catalyzed Cross Coupling
In this talk, Professor Jarvo took a closer look at how transition metal–catalyzed cross coupling has reshaped the way chemists build complex molecules, while also addressing one of the field’s lingering challenges: forming carbon–carbon bonds between two sp³ centers.
The session highlighted new approaches that make it possible to use simple, readily available building blocks in stereoselective alkyl–alkyl cross‑coupling and cross‑electrophile coupling reactions. A major focus was on why nickel has become such an attractive catalyst, offering not only a more affordable alternative to palladium, but also distinct reactivity that helps overcome the limitations of sluggish electrophiles and alkylmetal intermediates.
The talk also touched on recent progress in activating Csp³–O bonds in stereoselective couplings and explore how subtle changes in ligand design can steer nickel catalysts toward either one‑electron or two‑electron pathways.
In summary, the session gave a clear picture of how nickel catalysis is expanding the possibilities for building sp³–sp³ bonds and streamlining the synthesis of molecules with real biological relevance.
About our Speaker
Professor Jarvo
Prof. Elizabeth Jarvo began her educational journey in 1993 and earned a Bachelor’s Degree of Science with Honors in Chemistry at Acadia University under the guidance of Professor Michael A. Kerr in 1997. Additionally, during the summer of 1994, she engaged in undergraduate research at Concordia University under the supervision of Professor Youla Tsantrizos. From 1997 to 2002, she pursued a Ph.D. in Chemistry at Boston College, advised by Professor Scott J. Miller. Following this, from 2002 to 2005, she served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Harvard University, with Professor Eric N. Jacobsen as her advisor. Her academic career began in 2005 as an Assistant Professor at the University of California, Irvine, advancing to Associate Professor in 2012 and Professor in 2016. Since 2025, she has been appointed as Chancellor’s Professor at the University of California, Irvine, underscoring her ongoing outstanding contributions to academia.
About the Virtual Chemistry Lecture Series
Pharmaron’s monthly Virtual Lecture Series, launched in July 2020, provides our team and partners with online educational opportunities. World-class academic researchers are invited to present novel research related to synthetic and medicinal chemistry through this virtual forum. The lectures have been insightful and very well received by the audience and have contributed to cultivating a vibrant learning culture at Pharmaron.