Main group molecules and materials: Pushing the limits for p-block chemistry

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The Ragogna Group's primary focus is to explore the undiscovered chemistry landscape of the p-block elements, especially those from groups 15 (N, P, As, Sb, Bi) and 16 (O, S, Se, Te) of the periodic table. Main group elements play prominent roles in electronic materials, pharmaceuticals and new plastics, and therefore, the benefits for the construction of new main group element compounds are two fold: (a) an increased understanding of the fundamentals of structure, bonding and reactivity; and (b) Using this knowledge, potentially developing applications for value-added products. To make the above initiatives possible, the Ragogna Group trains students at all levels (B.Sc., MSc., PhD. and PDF) in the hope of inspiring new minds for the thoughtful pursuit of new directions in the chemical sciences. During their time in the Group they will master laboratory and core competencies that are required by industry and government partners alike. Ultimately the trained HQP will represent the next generation of Canadian innovators. Our proposal is a broad and imaginative one, bringing together ideas that push the frontiers of p-block chemistry, while working to bridge other chemical disciplines such as as polymer, nano and surface sciences. Taken together, one can assemble a powerful "toolbox" for the construction of new bonding modalities, unprecedented ceramics and new polymers with functionalities that are new or superior to those already in existence.