DinActSi - Dinitrogen activation and functionalisation at silicon

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We will develop new silicon(II) chemistry for the direct synthesis of organonitrogen compounds from N2 using highly reactive 'masked' silylenes.The project exploits the applicant's expertise in small-molecule activation and builds on recent advances in silicon(II) chemistry made by the host researcher. Organonitrogen compounds are used as fertilisers, drugs, dyes, and polymers. Their direct preparation from N2 would save energy and reduce waste.Work so far has focused on transition-metal chemistry, but in this project we will harness the chemistry of silicon - which is cheap and extremely abundant - to tackle this task. The proposed project will use synthetic chemistry to produce reactive Si(II) compounds that can coordinate and activate N2. In so doing, we will develop new catalytically relevant processes for preparing organonitrogen compounds from N2.The fellow will gain required skills for a successful independent research career, and will be trained in techniques including computational chemistry and NMR. The researcher will transfer expertise in electrochemistry to the host.