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Research in the Getzler lab utilizes the theories and techniques of organic, inorganic, and polymer chemistry. In a mentored setting, undergraduate scholars and Prof. Getzler collaborate to make catalysts and polymers with a focus on sustainability and interesting topologies. Follow the Getzler Lab on Mastodon!
Current support: NSF RUI #240138; Dreyfus Foundation #BL-24-010; Pamela G. Hollie Endowed Chair, Global Challenges
Follow the Getzler Lab on Mastodon!
Research Interests
Research Interests
Sustainability and Polymer Chemistry
Sustainability and Polymer Chemistry
Synthetic polymers are inextricably from the how humans the world over live our lives. Humanity values many of the things synthetic polymers enable but rightly fear the negative impacts of the seemingly uncontrollable increase in plastic waste.
Related publications
Wright, S. E.; Clarkson, A.; Korns, J. M.; Haljun, E.; Lofving, L.; Ourgessa, M. Getzler, Y. D. Y. L.* “An efficient synthesis of the inimer gamma-(2-bromo-2-methylpropionate)-epsilon-caprolactone (BMPCL)” Green Chem. Let. Rev. 2022, 15, 683-688. doi: 10.1080/17518253.2022.2127333
Getzler, Y. D. Y. L*; Mathers, R. T.* “Sustainable Polymers: Our Evolving Understanding” Acc. Chem. Res. 2022, 55, 1869–1878, doi: 10.1021/acs.accounts.2c00194
Fagnani, D. E.; Tami, J. L.; Copley, G.; Clemons, M. N.; Getzler, Y. D. Y. L*; McNeil, A. J.* “100th Anniversary of Macromolecular Science Viewpoint: Redefining Sustainable Polymers” ACS Macro Lett. 2021, 10, 41–53, doi: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.0c00789
Coates, G. W.*; Getzler, Y. D. Y. L.* "Chemical recycling to monomer for an ideal, circular polymer economy" Nat. Rev. Mat. 2020, 5, 501-516, doi: 10.1038/s41578-020-0190-4 non-subscriber access here
Circular Polymers
Circular Polymers
The macroscale properties of molecules are dependent on their microscale structures. For example, compared to its linear analogue, cyclic poly(lactic acid) (PLA) has a smaller solution volume and thermally decomposes at a higher temperature. The former is due to conformational restriction while the latter reflects the lower barrier for PLA depolymerization when end-groups are present.
Related publications
Reisberg, S. H.; Hurley, H. J.; Mathers, R. T..; Tanski, J. M.; Getzler, Y. D. Y. L.* "Lactide Cyclopolymerization Kinetics, X‑ray Structure, and Solution Dynamics of (tBu-SalAmEE)Al and a Cautionary Tale Of Polymetalate Formation" Macromolecules, 2013, 46. 3273-3279, doi:10.1021/ma400046x.
Weil, J.; Mathers, R. T.; Getzler, Y. D. Y. L.* "Lactide Cyclopolymerization by an Alumatrane-Inspired Catalyst" Macromolecules, 2012, 45, 1118-1121, doi: 10.1021/ma201960p
Homogeneous Catalysis
Homogeneous Catalysis
Like a knowledgeable hiker in the wilderness, a well designed catalyst can guide reactions to a desired outcome.
Related publications
Reisberg, S. H.; Hurley, H. J.; Mathers, R. T..; Tanski, J. M.; Getzler, Y. D. Y. L.* "Lactide Cyclopolymerization Kinetics, X‑ray Structure, and Solution Dynamics of (tBu-SalAmEE)Al and a Cautionary Tale Of Polymetalate Formation" Macromolecules, 2013, 46. 3273-3279, doi:10.1021/ma400046x.
Weil, J.; Mathers, R. T.; Getzler, Y. D. Y. L.* "Lactide Cyclopolymerization by an Alumatrane-Inspired Catalyst" Macromolecules, 2012, 45, 1118-1121, doi: 10.1021/ma201960p
X-Ray Crystallography
X-Ray Crystallography
X-ray crystallography allows us to know the exact locations of atoms in space - it is one of the best ways to accurately know the structure of a molecule. Sometimes this helps us solve a problem in catalysis. Sometimes this elucidates common themes in condensed matter. Sometimes it is the best outcome of a project that did not yield the desired fruit.
Related publications
Cole, W.; Hemmingson, S. L.; Eisenberg, A. C.; Ulman, C. A.; Tanski, J. M.; Getzler, Y. D. Y. L.* "Synthesis and crystal structures of some bis(3-methyl-1H-indol-2-yl)(salicyl)methanes" Acta Cryst. C: Struct. Chem., 2019, C75, 65-69, doi:10.1107/S2053229618017758 electronic reprint available here.
Reisberg, S. H.; Hurley, H. J.; Mathers, R. T..; Tanski, J. M.; Getzler, Y. D. Y. L.* "Lactide Cyclopolymerization Kinetics, X‑ray Structure, and Solution Dynamics of (tBu-SalAmEE)Al and a Cautionary Tale Of Polymetalate Formation" Macromolecules, 2013, 46. 3273-3279, doi:10.1021/ma400046x.
Hemmingson, S. L.; Stevens, A. J.; Tanski, J. M..; Getzler, Y. D. Y. L.* "[Bis{µ-4,4',6,6'-tetra-tert-butyl-2,2'- [N-(2-oxidoethyl)iminodimethylene]diphenylato}dialuminum(III)" Acta. Cryst. E. 2010, E66, m937
Eisenberg, A. C.; Tanski, J. M..; Getzler, Y. D. Y. L.* "{2-[Bis(3-methyl-1H-indol-2-yl)methyl]phenolato-kO} dimethyl(tetrahydrofuran-kO)aluminum(III)" Acta. Cryst. E. 2009, E65, m1353
Kenyon undergraduate coauthors are underlined
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