U.S.-Federal Republic of Germany (F.R.G.) Joint Seminar: Chemistry of Heteronuclear Clusters and Multimetallic Catalysts, Koenigstein/Taunus, F.R.G., September 7-11, 1987

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This award will support the participation of nine U.S. scientists in a joint seminar that will focus on the chemistry of heteronuclear cluster compounds and multimetallic catalysts. The seminar takes place under the U.S.-Federal Republic of Germany Cooperative Science Program. A few scientists from other countries will also participate. The main topics to be discussed are (1) multimetallic catalysts in homogeneous media, (2) the chemistry of mixed metal molecular clusters, (3) molecular clusters on supports, and (4) metal alloys. Synthesis and preparative methods, determinations of structure and bonding, and studies of reactivity and catalytic properties will be reported upon at the seminar. The purpose of the meeting is to present the latest research findings of the participants, to identify topics of mutual interest, to formulate current problems and goals, and to plan directions for new research in the field. The seminar co-organizers are Professor Richard D. Adams, Department of Chemistry, University of South Carolina, and Professor Wolfgang A. Herrmann, Inorganic Chemistry Institute, Technical University of Munich, Federal Republic of Germany. The discovery that certain metal alloys have catalytic properties that are far superior to their components has been one of the most important developments to occur in the area of heterogeneous catalysis in the last two decades. Bimetallic catalysts (e.g. platinum-rhodium, platinum-iridium) are used extensively in petroleum refining, for example, though the mechanism of their action is not understood. The study of transition metal cluster compounds has also become a focus of considerable attention during the past twenty-five years. These compounds have provided unique opportunities to study the nature of organic transformations at multinuclear metal sites, and may also ultimately contribute to a better understanding of heterogeneous catalysis. The two related and important areas of research have many features of their chemistry in common. In general, however, they are investigated by significantly different methodologies. Researchers in both the U.S. and the Federal Republic of Germany are very active in these fields of chemistry, and many of the leaders in these areas from the two countries, plus several from other countries, will participate in the seminar. The organizers of the meeting believe that by bringing together scientists from the two disciplines to discuss their latest research findings, the concepts and principles that these areas have in common will be more fully revealed. This should lead to a better understanding of the chemistry involved and also stimulate new ideas and directions for future research.