Metal-catalyzed organic reaction development and mechanistic study Research in the Shaughnessy group focuses on organometallic chemistry. One of the most interesting and important applications of organometallic complexes is as catalysts in organic synthesis. Therefore our efforts are focused on understanding organometallic reaction mechanisms that are relevant to important catalytic systems. By understanding the mechanism by which organometallic species catalyze important transformations, we can develop new or improved synthetic methodologies. Much of our research focuses on the use of alternative solvents in catalysis in an effort to develop more environmentally benign catalytic processes.