Our research program develops new tools for chemical synthesis via discovery and mechanistic analysis of homogeneous, transition metal catalyzed processes. We seek to elucidate general reactivity principles which will facilitate preparation of structurally complex molecules with diverse functional groups. Our efforts in these areas have lead to discovery of new oxidative coupling reactions promoted by copper, a suite of processes that enables the generation of Z-olefins and methods that utilize acids as chemoselective alkylating agents in transition metal catalysis.