Again, I noticed that whenever I tried conducting experiments using Yb(OTf)3 in the absence of Stas there was never any product. Finally, I demanded to see some of his samples. Despite having run many reactions, each of which made multiple gram quantities, Stas was only able to supply me with a couple (ca. 3) samples in small vials (< 1 g). Upon testing them with a number of analytical techniques including GPC and 1H NMR I discovered them to be polydimethylsiloxane and not PIB (see files below this paragraph)! Indeed, I now had positive proof of falsification of data. Immediately I setup a time to present this evidence to “Kennedy” and when I did the same result occurred. This time around not only did “Kennedy” tell me he only cared about data but he informed me that I needed to consider if I wanted to continue to work for him. I was to have a response to him within 1-2 days. When I met with “Kennedy” the last time I informed him that I would do anything to continue working under him with the exception of falsifying data. It was then that “Kennedy” called in his secretary at the time, Debbie England, and began to ramble off false allegations about how “Stewart has failed to fulfill his obligations to me.” I stopped him in mid-sentence and told the two of them that I need not listen to this crap anymore and that I was going to get an attorney. The very next day, “Kennedy” left the country for Europe.
GPC of Stas’ acutal samples (these are GPC traces for samples supplied by Stas)
1H NMR of Stas’ actual samples (Proton NMR spectra for samples supplied by Stas)