Matthew Asay Email & Phone Number

Greater Los Angeles Area

My research in the Nelson lab focuses on the development of novel synthetic methodologies and the implementation of electron diffraction for structural characterization of small molecules. My projects include the development of C-H functionalization chemistry based on the use of super acid carboranes, the isolation of important cationic intermediates and the development of robust techniques to take electron diffraction technology toward broad applicability.

Mexico City, Mexico

My research focused on main group and organometallic chemistry, particularly low valent silicon compounds and their applications in small molecule activation. An important aspect of this research is the use of carbene pincer ligands and as part of this research a new type of bis-NHC pincer ligand featuring saturated NHCs was developed.

Riverside Ca

As a Visiting Scientist in the laboratory of Prof. Vince Lavallo I supervised the operation of the laboratory, perform key synthetic steps and assist graduate and undergraduate researchers. I also prepared, wrote and edit manuscripts and research proposals. The research was focused on carborane clusters, their fundamental chemistry as well as their application as ligand substituents and as electrolytes in batteries.

My research in the laboratory of Prof. Akira Sekiguchi focused on the reactivity of stable disilynes. This research led to the synthesis of the first carbene stabilized silicon analogue of a vinyl cation. It involved organic and inorganic synthesis, computational chemistry, multinuclear NMR, X-ray crystallography, air sensitive techniques (glove box and vacuum transfer Schlenk lines), HPLC, UV-vis spectroscopy, GCMS, glass blowing and other standard laboratory techniques.

My Humboldt post doctoral research in the laboratory of Prof. Dr. Matthias Driess, focused on the synthesis on a new type of carbocyclic silylene based on an aromatic backbone with phosphorus ylide substituents. This research involved organic, inorganic, transition metal and theoretical chemistry and characterization techniques such as multinuclear NMR, X-ray crystallography and High-Resolution Mass Spectometry (HRMS). Oxygen and moisture free reaction techniques involving glove boxes and Schlenk lines was required in addition to standard synthetic organic laboratory practices.

Riverside Ca

My doctoral research under the supervision of Prof. Guy Bertrand involved the synthesis of new types of carbon-based ligands similar to carbenes. This work also included the preliminary investigation of these ligands and their complexes in homogeneous catalysis. This work involved organic synthesis, inorganic and transition metal chemistry and catalysis. Techniques used include glove box and Schlenk techniques, multinuclear and variable temperature NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, gas chromatography, X-ray crystallography and other synthetic techniques.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Organic Chemistry

Advisor: Prof. Guy Bertrand Thesis: Ylides: Stabilization of Novel, Low Valent Carbon-Based Ligands with Applications in Catalysis

Bachelor Of Science (B.S.), Chemistry, 3.6 Gpa