Transition Metal Complexes with Redox-active Ligands: Understanding and Using Unusual Electronic Structures and Ligand-based reactivity

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Research in the Fekl group focuses on reactions of redox-active organic molecules coordinated to metals such as nickel or platinum. Traditionally, most metal-containing molecules contain a redox-active metal centre plus organic parts that are not redox-active ('innocent spectator ligand'). The concept of using redox-active ligands is very promising for organic synthesis (to make, for example, pharmaceutically useful molecules) but is in its infancy. Novel reactions are being developed that have many useful applications. For example, we are exploiting a new reaction we discovered for making chiral molecules that can aid the synthesis of unsymmetrical molecules. The new compounds will be used as enantioselective catalysts, for the production of bio-active compounds. Related molecules will be investigated for their conducting or semiconducting properties, which can lead to novel materials for electronics. Computational and experimental methods will be used to investigate the detailed effects of a redox-active ligand. Other compounds will lead to much higher contrast in microscopic imaging of living cells.