Mechanism of Transition Metal-Catalyzed Reactions in Hydrocarbons

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The focus of this research is threefold. First, the activity of ruthenium olefin-metathesis catalysts will be determined as functions of ligand composition and metal content. Second, the chemistry developed with the ruthenium complexes will be extended to iron and rhenium to determine whether complexes of these metals also form metal-carbon double bonds, and as such, function as metathesis catalysts. Third, the activity of the ruthenium complexes as initiators for the living polymerization of strained olefins will be examined in unusual media including aqueous solution and on the surface of a support. Graduate students involved in the proposed research will receive broad, interdisciplinary training in the areas of organometallic and polymer chemistry. The Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry Program (CHE) and the Solid State Chemistry and Polymer Program (DMR) support the research of Professor Robert Grubbs of the Department of Chemistry at the California Institute of Technology. Professor Grubbs will focus his research on the synthesis of metal complexes capable of forming carbon-metal double bonds, and the use of these complexes as initiators of polymerization reactions. Formation of polymers of unusual shape and composition and initiation in unusual environments, including aqueous solution and on the surface of a support, will be explored. Professor Grubbs will train graduate students in the design, synthesis and characterization of organometallic complexes and their use as polymerization initiators.