Rigid non-carbocyclic ligand supported complexes for the study of unusual metal-ligand interactions adn applications in catalysis

Emslie小组的研究方向是合成和研究不寻常或独特的金属配合物，这些配合物从基础角度和开发改进的催化剂以及新型的化学计量和催化转化都很有趣。为此，我们NSERC资助的研究项目主要集中在：(1)含硼的晚期过渡金属配合物的合成、性质和反应性，以及(2)非碳环钍和铀配合物。虽然非常不同，但使用配体刚性来创建一个非常特殊的金属结合环境在这两个领域都是至关重要的。区域1的研究涉及使用新型刚性配体，该配体将电子给体基团和电子受体（硼烷）结合在中心金属结合袋周围。选择电子给体基团是为了容易地与晚期过渡金属结合，从而将金属锚定在靠近垂坠硼烷的位置。由于这种不寻常的情况，硼烷与金属或与金属结合的配体之间会发生各种键的相互作用。研究所得到的配合物的性质和反应性对于进一步了解稀有金属与配体的相互作用以及开发新的催化方法具有相当重要的意义。在研究领域2，我们的重点是探索极刚性和平面非碳环配体在钍和铀有机金属和氧化还原化学中的应用。本研究的方向是制备高活性配合物，了解控制配合物稳定性和反应性的因素，以及发现新的催化剂和催化反应。催化剂设计对于制备新的化学品和材料（例如药品，农用化学品和塑料）以及发现更有效和环保的方法来制备现有的化学品和材料非常重要。基础认识方面的进步同样重要，因为它们有助于建立未来所有技术赖以建立的化学知识基础。

Research in the Emslie group is directed towards the synthesis and study of unusual or unique metal complexes which are of interest from both a fundamental perspective and for the development of improved catalysts and new types of stoichiometric and catalytic transformation. To this end, our NSERC funded research program is focused on the synthesis, properties and reactivity of: (1) Borane-appended late transition metal complexes, and (2) Non-carbocyclic thorium and uranium complexes. While quite distinct, the use of ligand rigidity to create a very particular metal binding environment is of central importance in both areas.Research in area 1 involves the use of novel rigid ligands which incorporate both electron-donating groups and an electron-acceptor (a borane) arranged around a central metal binding pocket. Electron donor groups are selected in order to bind readily to late transition metals, thereby anchoring the metal in close proximity to the pendant borane. As a consequence of this unusual situation, a variety of bonding interactions between the borane and either the metal or the ligands bound to the metal can occur. Investigation of the properties and reactivity of the resulting complexes is of considerable importance to further our understanding of rare metal-ligand interactions, and for the development of new approaches in catalysis.In research area 2, our focus is on exploring the utility of extremely rigid and planar non carbocyclic ligands in thorium and uranium organometallic and redox chemistry. This research is directed towards the preparation of highly reactive complexes, in understanding the factors which control complex stability and reactivity, and in the discovery of new catalysts and catalytic reactions. Catalyst design is of great importance for the preparation of new chemicals and materials (e.g. pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and plastics), and in the discovery of more efficient and environmentally friendly methods to prepare currently available chemicals and materials. Advances in fundamental understanding are of equal importance since they contribute to the knowledge base in chemistry upon which all future technologies are built.