We are using DFT calculations to examine a number of anionic reactions including simple proton transfer, SN2 substitution, and nucleophilic addition to a carbonyl.  Initial results suggest that sandwiching this reaction between two arenes leads to catalysis.  This could be attributed to ground state destabilization of an unusual type, involving repulsive interactions that are greater in the ground state than the transition state.

New paradigm for catalysis via ground state destabilization: Interaction of charged reacting species with an aromatic host

244th National Meeting (2012)

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