Organic Chemistry/GTPN Seminar
Prof. Wesley Farrell

US Naval Academy
Department of Biochemistry
Thursday, January 29, 2026
MoSE G011
11:00am - 12:00pm
 
Title: Developments in Vanadium-Mediated Olefin Metathesis 
 
Abstract:
Olefin metathesis reactions are of enormous importance for the synthesis of small and macromolecules alike, and historically have been mediated by Mo, W, and Ru alkylidene catalysts.  While these compounds are
undoubtedly valuable, there is good reason to explore metathesis with first-row transition metals given that they are more abundant and inexpensive than their heavier counterparts.  This talk will describe efforts by our group to better understand metathesis
mediated by vanadium(V) alkylidenes in both cross-metathesis and ring-opening metathesis polymerization.  Specifically, limitations in cross-metathesis relevant to small and macromolecule synthesis will be described, functional group tolerance in ring-opening
metathesis will be explored, and initial investigations into the origins of polymer stereochemistry will be shared. A summary of the state of the field beyond these efforts will also be presented. 
 
Bio:
Wes Farrell graduated from Wake Forest University in 2010 with a BS in Chemistry, where he did computational research on Pt-based cancer drugs with Prof. Akbar Salam.  He went on to earn a PhD at the University
of Maryland where he worked on small molecule activation and catalysis with mid-valent group 6 complexes under the direction of Prof. Larry Sita.  Seeking to gain experience in polymer chemistry, Wes then went on to do a postdoc at the National Institute of
Standards and Technology with Dr. Kate Beers, developing methods for the synthesis of highly controlled polyethylene structures and deuterated polymers.  In 2018, Wes joined the faculty at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, where he holds the rank
of associate professor.  His lab focuses on the development of olefin metathesis chemistry with abundant vanadium catalysts, as well as the synthesis of polymers for defense applications.  Beyond this role, Wes also does work with ACS, both with his local
section and the national Project SEED committee, and IUPAC as a member of the Subcommittee on Polymer Terminology.
 
Host: Will Gutekunst/Blair Brettmann