Jack R. Norton

Jack R. Norton is a Professor of Chemistry at Columbia University, leading the Norton Research Laboratory. His research focuses on catalysis, organometallic chemistry, and radical reactions, particularly involving transition-metal hydrides. He explores mechanisms using physical methods and applies these insights to organic synthesis. Recent awards include the ACS Cope Scholar Award and the Sierra Nevada Distinguished Chemist recognition. His lab investigates areas like radical cyclization, metal-carbon bond insertion, and hydrogen atom transfer. Key projects include developing catalytic methods for radical-mediated synthesis and studying isocyanide insertion mechanisms. The lab also explores applications in energy, such as hydrogen gas utilization. Norton's work bridges mechanistic understanding with practical synthesis, with over 30 publications in top journals like J. Am. Chem. Soc. and Chem. Rev.