Main group synthetic, structural and materials chemistry

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This proposal involves a broadly based investigation of the chemistry of the main group elements, a classification that includes many of the most abundant elements such as silicon, phosphorus and sulfur, as well as some of the less common elements, e.g.selenium and tellurium. In addition to the fundamental interest in novel aspects of structure and chemical bonding, many uses of compounds of these elements in areas such as materials science, alternative energy sources, catalysis and medicinal chemistry have been identified. In order to assess the potential applications of main group element compounds, it is necessary to have a comprehensive understanding of their fundamental chemistry. Therefore, the primary objective of this research program is to provide that insight so that it can be applied in the creation of novel materials with useful properties. The main focus will be the fundamental aspects of novel chalcogen chemistry (sulfur, selenium and tellurium). To this end the first step involves is the exploration of suitable synthetic methods for new compounds. This is followed by the determination of molecular structures by a variety of spectroscopic methods and (in the solid state) by X-ray crystallography. In selected cases electronic structures will also be calculated and redox behaviour probed by a combination of electrochemical techniques and EPR spectroscopy. The fundamental chemistry to be investigated includes (a) metal complexes of novel, multidentate chalcogen-centred ligands, including coordination polymers, (b) redox behaviour of these metal complexes with a view to generating stable or persistent radical species, and (c) new molecular precursors for the synthesis of metal chalcogenide thin films and nanomaterials. Potential applications of these studies range from biological chemistry (understanding the redox chemistry of metal-dichalcogenide interactions) to materials science (new forms of semiconductors for electronic devices).