High Energy Density Matter and Main Group Chemistry

Karl O. Christe博士，南加州大学化学系，受化学系无机、生物无机和有机金属化学项目支持，研究高能化合物和非金属主基团化学。该项目将集中于探索多氮、硝胺和二氟酰胺化学；高氮化合物的制备；以及开发定量路易斯酸碱刻度，将质子和非质子酸和碱联系起来。理论从头计算将与实验工作一起进行，以分析键合关系。这个项目将理论与极其困难的实验工作和物理表征结合起来，旨在对高能分子有一个基本的了解。这对生产和理解用于推进和储能的高能量密度材料具有潜在的意义。PI是在这些领域工作的少数研究人员之一，该项目将成为年轻科学家的培训基地。

Dr. Karl O. Christe, Chemistry Department, University of Southern California, is supported by the Inorganic, Bioinorganic, and Organometallic Chemistry Program of the Chemistry Division for studies of high energy compounds and nonmetal main group chemistry. The project will concentrate on an exploration of polynitrogen, nitramine, and difluoramide chemistry; the preparation of high-nitrogen compounds; and the development of quantitative Lewis Acid and Base scales to relate protic and non-protic acids and bases. Theoretical ab initio calculations will be done along with the experimental work to analyze bonding relationships. This project joins theory with exceedingly difficult experimental work and physical characterization and aims at a fundamental understanding of high-energy molecules. It has potential significance to the production and understanding of high energy density materials for propulsion and energy storage. The PI is one of the few investigators working in these areas and the project will serve as a training ground for young scientists.