Todd W. Hudnall, Ph.D., FRSC

Education

Postdoctoral Fellow
University of Texas at Austin - 2008 - 2010

Ph.D.
Texas A&M University - 2008

B.S.
Texas State University - 2004

Experience

Associate Professor
Baylor University - 2024 - Present

Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Texas State University - 2020 - 2024

Associate Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Texas State University - 2016 - 2020

Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Texas State University - 2010 - 2016

Research

Our research is concerned with the chemistry of both organic and organometallic polyfunctional ambiphilic molecules.  We are a group of synthetic organometallic chemists, whose ultimate goals are to harness and utilize the cooperative effects in these molecules for the discovery of novel bonding interactions, reactivity toward small molecules and catalysis.  In particular, our research is interested in the activation small molecules of industrial and biological importance (i.e., H₂, N₂, CH₄, and CO₂). Our current efforts are focused on using carbonyl-decorated carbenes which are electron deficient to stabilize reactive allotropes and radicals of phosphorus, arsenic, antimony, and boron.

Synthesis:  At the heart of our research program lie the syntheses of organic and organometallic complexes.  Our synthesis requires the manipulation of oxygen/moisture sensitive reagents, and therefore our preparation techniques include the use of glove boxes and Schlenk lines to carry out air-free synthesis.  Ultimately we strive to develop high-yielding synthetic routes to the desired compounds.

Stabilization of Reactive Main Group Allotropes, Alloys and Radicals:  We are currently investigating the potential of electron-deficient carbenes to stabilize main group elements, specifically P, As, Sb, or B, in low-coordinate and low-oxidation state bonding situations. We ultimately strive to develop novel allotropes and even alloys of these elements. Additionally, we are exploring the ability to oxidize or reduce these species to afford carbene-stabilized main group radicals. Such materials and complexes should appeal to a broad spectrum of chemists ranging from those interested in materials science, molecular recognition, storage of gases, and catalysis.

Students who carry out their research in the Hudnall group will learn a variety of synthetic and analytical techniques including the manipulation of highly sensitive compounds, multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and density functional theory (DFT) analyses.