U.S.-Japan Cooperative Research: Electronic Interaction of Germanium with Orbitals on Carbon

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This award will support a two-year cooperative research project between Professor Joseph B. Lambert, Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, and Professor Takeuchi Yoshito, Department of Chemistry, The University of Tokyo. The scientists will collaborate in fundamental studies of the chemistry of the element germanium, particularly compounds containing germanium-carbon bonds, so-called organogermanium compounds. Germanium is in the same group of the periodic table of the elements as are carbon and silicon, and its chemistry shows some similarities to those elements, especially silicon. Organosilicon compounds have been well studied in the past twenty years, and much is known about their structure, reactions, and practical applications. The chemistry of germanium is less well developed, but the successful results of the earlier silicon work have given rise to considerable interest in pursuing analogous studies of this less common element. Professors Lambert and Yoshito have independently pursued programs of study of germanium chemistry, and plan now to cooperate in a joint investigation of several organogermanium compounds especially selected for their potential in leading to a basic understanding of the bonding in these molecules. The scientists bring both similar as well as complementary expertise and facilities to the joint project. Some of the chemical syntheses of the substances under investigation will be carried out by the Tokyo group, and others by the Northwestern researchers. Experimental techniques to be used in this examination include those of chemical kinetics as well as nuclear magnetic resonance, electron spin resonance, and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopies. Associated theoretical calculations will also be carried out. The basic chemical information sought in this cooperative study is expected to lay some of the important ground work needed for the development of later practical applications of germanium chemistry, possibly in chemical synthesis, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and other areas. The project brings together two research groups with considerable experience in this field. By collaborating, the scientists expect to enhance their individual programs, and thus our knowledge of the chemistry of germanium, significantly.