New complexes and catalysts based on indenyl and PCP pincer ligands

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Our research studies are in the areas of organometallic chemistry and homogenous catalysis. Organometallic complexes are used in the chemical industry for catalyzing the transformation of relatively abundant materials into value-added products. The versatility of organometallic complexes in catalysis stems from the unique chemical characteristics of transition metals and the broad "tunability" of their reactivities by the ligands that surround them. Since ligands can radically alter the chemistry of a given metal, judicious choice of metal-ligand combinations can provide a rich array of useful reactivities. Thus, improving our understanding of the metal-ligand interplay can contribute to long-term economic growth through the development of new and efficient chemical processes of commercial value. We strive to discover how the reactivities of transition metals can be manipulated and modified in different coordination environments and use this knowledge to develop new or improved catalytic processes. Our studies allow us to identify structure-reactivity correlations that serve as guiding posts in the development of efficient catalytic processes. The application of this methodology also serves as a valuable mechanism for training our students in modern techniques of synthesis and characterization. Finally, this approach to research fosters unforeseen discoveries that can accelerate scientific advancement and technological innovation. Over the next funding period, we plan to continue our work on two fronts: a) probe deeper into the reactivities we have discovered with a view to optimizing them and broadening their applications; b) explore new sets of metal-ligand combinations that promise to exhibit interesting reactivities.