Xiao Xiao, Ph.D., has received the Department of Chemistry’s Best Thesis Award for 2019. Xiao earned his doctorate working with Professor Thomas Hoye, researching aryne-based synthetic methodologies.
His thesis primarily focused on the development of new synthetic methodologies based on benzynes, one of the most versatile reactive intermediates in organic chemistry. In particular, the hexadehydro-Diels–Alder reaction, which generates benzynes purely thermally without any external reagent, provided a unique platform for reaction discoveries and related mechanistic studies in his doctoral studies. These new methods enabled functionalization of drug-like molecules as well as bottom-up synthesis of novel polyaromatic materials. Computational tools such as density-functional theory calculations also played a significant role in guiding my mechanistic understanding as well as reaction design.
Currently, Xiao is a post-doctoral scientist working with Professor Colin Nuckolls at Columbia University. His current research focus is the design, synthesis, and characterization of novel helicene nanoribbons, especially those with unique helical structures and extraordinary chiroptical properties.
In the future, Xiao hopes to lead a research group in an academic environment.
https://chem.umn.edu/news/xiao-xiao-receives-departments-thesis-award
