Kass Research Group (Organic, Analytical, Biochemical, and Physical Chemistry)

Our group is interested in two distict areas: organic synthesis and mass spectrometry/IR spectrometry. In the former studies we are working on the development of environmentally friendly (green) acids and bases which make use of hydrogen bond arrays and the development of hydrogen bond catalysts. Reactivity studies, enantioselective transformations (including protonations), and the synthesis of new reagents are of interest.

Strained ring compounds including antiaromatic cyclopropenyl anion precursors and host-guest chemistry are also areas that are being investigated.

Two Fourier mass spectrometers are being used to carry out our MS studies. One of these instruments has recently been outfitted with a Nd:YAG pump and OPO/OPA laser so that the IR spectra of the ions produced in a mass spectrometer can be recorded.

With these instruments we have been studying the ionization sites of ions produced by electrospray ionization, zwitterions, reactive intermediates, H-D exchange processes, and multiply charged species.

High-level computations are also carried out to provide additional insights.

For more information, follow the links below:

Dr. Kass' Faculty Page
Publication List
Group Members
Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometer (FT-ICR-MS)

Related Links:

Mass Spectrometry Facility
ASMS
NIST
ACS