new horizons in the chemistry of 3D metal pincer complexes

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This proposal requests funds to support a research program aimed at advancing our understanding of the way in which a group of chemical entities called "ligands" interact with metals. In addition to making fundamental discoveries and contributing to the progress of science, we also hope to put to use the type of metal-ligand interactions we study for inventing processes that will make possible useful chemical transformations. This program falls in the general area of organometallic chemistry. As the name implies, the central theme of this area of scholarship revolves around the combination of metallic elements and organic molecules and the different properties of such organometallic compounds. Organometallic compounds are involved in many large scale commercial processes for the production of commodities such as acetic acid (the main ingredient of vinegar), industrial alcohols and acids, polyester, polyethylene, and even some medications. In most cases, the commercial viability and competitiveness of these processes is due to the phenomenon of catalysis, that is the use of a small quantity of key chemical transformers to produce a very large quantity of products. Canada enjoys a competitive position among industrialized nations in organometallic chemistry and in catalysis. The research studies that we plan to carry out at the University of Montreal consist of developing a new family of organonickel compounds and studying their abilities to transform lower value chemicals to value-added products. Our past studies have resulted in the development of new catalysts based on a family of ligands called pincer ligands; these catalysts can transform simple chemicals into more valuable products. We propose to extend our studies in a number of promising directions. This work will result in the training of Canadian students in modern chemical techniques. This type of training has allowed more than 30 of our ex-students to find employment in various industrial, academic, and public sectors.