Yutan Getzler joined the Department of Chemistry at Kenyon College in 2004 after completing doctoral studies at Cornell University. In collaboration with undergraduate students, he pursues the creation and evaluation of new molecules to catalyze reaction of mutual interest. The research currently underway in his laboratory is at the intersection of organic, inorganic and polymer chemistries.
According the Getzler, "The compounds we investigate may be biodegradable and sourced from plants or may spontaneously ignite on contact with air. Students who work with me thus learn a diverse range of techniques. My teaching is primarily within the sophomore Organic sequence with periodic forays into an advanced lab course or seminar."
Book Office Hours Appointment
Areas of Expertise
Catalysis, air-free technique, polymer chemistry.
Education
2004 — Doctor of Philosophy from Cornell University
1998 — Bachelor of Science from Beloit College, Phi Beta Kappa
Courses Recently Taught
CHEM 123
Introductory Chemistry Lab I
CHEM 123
This laboratory course accompanies CHEM 121 and 122 with an introduction to modern experimental chemistry. Laboratory experiments explore inorganic synthesis, molecular structure and properties, and spectroscopy, with an emphasis on laboratory safety, computerized data acquisition and analysis, and the theory of analytical instrumentation. The laboratory work is organized around individual and team projects. Communication skills are developed through proper use of a laboratory notebook. One three-hour laboratory is held per week. Corequisite: CHEM 121 or 122. Offered every fall semester.
CHEM 231
Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 231
This lecture course offers a study of the chemical and physical properties of organic compounds. Theoretical principles are developed with particular emphasis on molecular structure and reaction mechanisms. The descriptive aspects of organic chemistry include strategies for synthesis and the study of compounds of biochemical interest. Prerequiste: grade of C+ or higher in CHEM 122 and completion of CHEM 123 or 126 or permission of department chair. Offered every spring semester.
CHEM 233
Organic Chemistry Lab I
CHEM 233
This laboratory course introduces fundamental methods in organic chemistry research and complements the topics covered in the lecture course, CHEM 231. This is achieved by carrying out experiments and research projects involving topics such as isolation of a natural product, oxidation and reduction reactions and reactions of alkenes. The techniques include liquid extraction, distillation, recrystallization and thin layer and gas chromatography. Compounds are identified and assessed for purity by melting point determination, refractometry, gas chromatography and infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Appropriate record keeping on laboratory notebooks and writing laboratory reports is emphasized. Corequisite: CHEM 231. Offered every spring semester.
CHEM 234
Organic Chemistry Lab II
CHEM 234
This laboratory course will extend and apply the techniques developed in CHEM 233 to more advanced experiments in organic synthesis including open-ended experiments derived from current research projects. A particular emphasis will be placed on using chemistry databases, experimental design and planning, laboratory notebooks and record keeping, analytical and preparative chromatography, advanced NMR techniques (2-D) and writing laboratory reports. Upon successful completion of the two-course organic chemistry lab sequence (CHEM 233/234), students will have the skills needed to thrive in a synthetic organic chemistry research laboratory. Prerequisite: CHEM 233. Corequisite: CHEM 232. Offered every fall semester.
CHEM 373
Advanced Lab: Organic
CHEM 373
In this laboratory course, students will engage in multiweek, multistep projects that integrate both modern organic synthesis and advanced high-field nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. This course meets for one three-hour laboratory period per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 234. Offered every two years.
CHEM 497
Senior Honors
CHEM 497
The emphasis is on independent research in collaboration with a faculty mentor, culminating with a thesis that is defended orally to an outside examiner. See department chair or website for full description. Permission of instructor and department chair required. Prerequisite: GPA of at least 3.2, enrollment in Section 02 of CHEM 375 or CHEM 376.
CHEM 498
Senior Honors
CHEM 498
The emphasis is on independent research in collaboration with a faculty mentor, culminating with a thesis that is defended orally to an outside examiner. See department chair or website for full description. Permission of instructor and department chair required. Prerequisite: GPA of at least 3.2, enrollment in Section 02 of CHEM 375 or CHEM 376.
Academic & Scholarly Achievements
2020
2013
Reisberg, S. H.; Hurley, H. J.; Mathers, R. T..; Tanski, J. M..;Getzler, Y. D. Y. L. "Lactide Cyclopolymerization Kinetics, X?ray Structure, and Solution Dynamics of (tBu-SalAmEE)Al and a Cautionary Tale of Polymetalate Formation"Macromolecules, 2013, doi:10.1021/ma400046x.
2012
2007
Church, T. L.; Getzler, Y. D. Y. L.; Byrne, C. W.; Coates, G. W. "Carbonylation of heterocycles by homogeneous catalysts" Chem. Commun.. 2007, 657-674.
2006
2005
Getzler, Y. D. Y. L.; Schmidt, J. A. R.; Coates, G. W. "Synthesis of an Epoxide Carbonylation Catalyst: Exploration of Contemporary Chemistry for Advanced Undergraduates."J. Chem. Educ., 2005, 82, 621-624.
2004