Because of its distinct position at the interface of two major areas of chemical science, inorganic and organic chemistry, the field of Organometallic Chemistry is one of the most vibrant and evolving areas of chemistry. The importance of the field is reflected in the recent award of three Nobel Prizes (2001, 2005, 2010) to nine organometallic chemists. The 2012 Organometallic Chemistry Gordon Research Conference will highlight new basic science and fundamental applications of organometallic chemistry in industrial, academic, and national lab settings. Scientific themes of the conference will include chemical synthesis, reactivity, catalysis, polymer chemistry, bonding, and theory that involve transition-metal (and main-group) interactions with organic moieties.

Many of the key scientific challenges of the 21st century, such as alternative fuel production and development of novel materials, will need chemical solutions that organometallic chemists will be called upon to develop. As the flagship meeting of this field in the US, the conference will both provide a venue for defining and discussing these big problems, and a catalyst to promote new interdisciplinary collaborations. Participants will include a diverse group of scientists from the US and abroad at the forefront of their fields, ranging from senior investigators to junior scientists and graduate students. All participants are encouraged to present posters in afternoon poster sessions, and six of these will be selected to give oral presentations. Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows should also consider participating in the Gordon Research Seminar on Organometallic Chemistry (July 7-8, same location) that is specially designed to promote interaction and discussion between junior scientists.