Reductive cross-coupling allows the direct C-C bond formation between two organic halides without the need for preformation of an organometallic reagent. A method has been developed for the reductive cross-coupling of nonaromatic, heterocyclic bromides with aryl or heteroaryl bromides. The developed conditions use an air-stable Ni(II) source in the presence of a diamine ligand and a metal reductant to allow late-stage incorporation of saturated heterocyclic rings onto aryl halides in a functional-group tolerant manner.

A method has been developed for the introduction of nonaromatic heterocyclic structures onto aryl and heteroaryl bromides using alkyl tosylates in a reductive cross-coupling manifold. This protocol offers an improvement over previous methods by utilizing alkyl tosylate coupling partners that are bench-stable, crystalline solids that can be prepared from inexpensive, commercially available alcohols.

We investigate the role that order plays in the transfer of charges in the ZnO nano-particle-octylcyanobiphenyl (8CB) liquid crystal system, considered for photovoltaic applications. We have changed the concentration of ZnO nanoparticles in 8CB from 1.18 to 40 wt %. Our results show an improvement in the alignment of the liquid crystal with increasing weight percentage of ZnO nanoparticles, up to a concentration of 30 wt %. In addition, the current generated by the system increases by three orders of magnitude.

Conditions have been developed for the reductive cross-coupling of 3-bromo-2,1-borazaronaphthalenes with primary and secondary alkyl iodides. This method allows direct alkylation of azaborine cores, providing efficient access to functionalized isosteres of naphthalene derivatives.

A method has been developed for the Pd-catalyzed synthesis of α-(hetero)aryl esters and amides through a Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction. This method avoids the use of strong base, does not necessitate inert or low temperature formation of reagents, and does not require the use of a large excess of organometallic reagent. Utilization of organotrifluoroborate salts as nucleophilic partners allows a variety of functional groups and heterocyclic compounds to be tolerated.