Kenneth C. Kemp
Emeritus Professor
Organic Chemistry
B.S. (1950), Northwestern University; Ph.D. (1956), Illinois Institute of Technology (M.L. Bender).
E-mail: kempistry![[at]](../images/at.png)
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Phone: 775-784-6041
FAX: 775-784-6804
Office: CB 213
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Kenneth C. Kemp
Research Interests
The effects of neighboring groups on reactions of derivatives of carboxylic acids are currently being studied. Examples include accelerating effects of the carbonyl group in the alkaline hydrolysis of gamma-keto esters and of the carboxylate group in the solvolysis of gamma-bromophenylacetates. The scope and sythetic utility of intramolecular Friedel-Crafts acylation of alkenes are being investigated. By studying the structure and stereochemistry of the cyclization products from acid chlorides, it is hoped that a clearer insight into the nature of the reaction will emerge. Studies designed to help elucidate the mechanism include utilization of substrates which impose varying degrees of constraint upon the transition state.
Selected Publications
“A novel, simple, and inexpensive model for teaching VSEPR theory,” Kemp, K.C. J. Chem. Educ. 1988, 65, 222.
“Writing chemical equations. Introductory experiment,” LeMay, H.E., Jr.; Kemp, K.C. J. Chem. Educ. 1975, 52, 121.
“Stereochemistry of an intramolecular Friedal-Crafts acylation,” Fickes, G.N.; Kemp, K.C. J. Chem. Soc., Chem. Commun. 1983, 84-85.
“Ketone neighboring-group effects in ester hydrolysis,” Kemp, K.C.; Mieth, M.L. J. Chem. Soc., Chem. Commun. 1969, 1260-1261.
“Neighboring-group and substituent effects in the solvolysis of substituted alpha-bromophenylacetate ions,” Kemp, K.C.; Metzger, D. J. Org. Chem. 1968, 33, 4165-4168.