Darren Willcox

Darren Willcox is a Lecturer in Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Manchester, affiliated with the Inorganic Chemistry Group. He holds a MSci (Hons) and PhD from the University of Nottingham (2010 and 2014 respectively). His postdoctoral research included roles at the University of Cambridge (2014-2018) and Cardiff University (2019) before joining Manchester in 2019.

Education:

• MSci (Hons), University of Nottingham, 2006-2010
• PhD in Novel Organoalanes in Organic Synthesis, University of Nottingham, 2010-2014

Research Interests: Focuses on organic synthesis, catalysis, and organometallic chemistry. His work explores reaction mechanisms involving palladium, borane complexes, and alkali metal systems. Specializes in developing new synthetic methods for functional group transformations and asymmetric synthesis.

Recent Research Trends: Publications emphasize innovative catalytic systems (e.g., iron-borane complexes), mechanistic studies of hydroboration reactions, and design of stereoselective transformations. Recent 2025 articles highlight advancements in cyclopropanation reagents and amidoalane synthesis.

Labs/Teams: Active within the Inorganic Chemistry Group at Manchester, collaborating on projects involving organoalanes, iodonium ylides, and Lewis acid-free systems.