Synthesis and structural control in organo-main group chemistry: design and application of homogeneous catalysts

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We are establishing new methods for making molecules in which the presence of either silicon or phosphorus will render them useful in a range of practical applications. The methodology we are developing is concerned with how, where, and to what effect these heteroatoms (non-carbon atoms) are incorporated in the molecules. Our major research goals include the following:(A) We are interested in the manufacture of polymer materials containing long chains of silicon atoms.  Unlike the pure silicon found in microchips, these polymers have organic, carbon-based side-chains attached to each silicon, which make them soluble.  If the polysilicon chains can be prevented from twisting, through our proposed modifications to incorporate cyclic substructures, they will conduct electrons, behaving as "molecular wires". Such processable, conducting materials are of enormous interest to the microelectronics industry. A critical part of the methods we are developing involves the study of metal catalysts whose primary function is to bring two silicon-containing molecules together and join them, in such a way that the resulting, two-silicon fragments can then easily be incorporated into ring structures or long chains (as described above). Our elaboration of the catalyst mechanism will permit the controlled synthesis of new, reactive molecules with highly specific structures.(B) We are also developing new catalysts for the preparation of phosphorus-containing molecules that act as ligands for metals, binding strongly to metal atoms through the phosphorus heteroatom. These ligands impart stability, solubility and "shape" to the resulting metal complexes, whose chemical reactivity can be directed through controlled variation of the ligand structure. The challenge in this project is learning how the catalyst can best join together two halves of a new ligand molecule, so that we can precisely control its resulting shape. The products of this project will find use in the fine chemicals and pharmaceueticals industries.