Synthesis and investigation of novel two-coordinate 1st row transition metal complexes

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Qing Ye
• Subject Area: Inorganic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation
• Term: from 2014 to 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 270846862

Future research in the group of Prof. Tilley will concern the synthesis and investigation of novel two-coordinate 1st-row transition metal complexes. Due to the low coordination number and inherent electron deficient nature on the metal center, this class of compounds has highly unusual structural and electronic properties, and is expected to have rich reaction chemistry in terms of catalysis and functionalization of different kinds of substrates. However, the number of these complexes is strongly limited, in particular for earlier transition metals (Ti, V, Cr, Mn). In addition, the reaction chemistry of two-coordinate complexes is relatively unexplored. Recently a two-coordinate bis(amido) nickel(II) complex has been successfully synthesized by Prof. Tilley and co-workers. Preliminary studies on this coordinatively unsaturarted complex have proven its catalytic performance associated with carbon-carbon cross-coupling and olefin hydrosilation reactions. These results prompt us to do in-depth studies on this class of complexes. Future work will focus on (i) variation of metals and ligands, in particular on the synthesis of two-coordinate complexes of earlier transition metals Ti, V, Cr, (ii) their reaction chemistry associated with redox, activation of small molecules and C-H bond activation, (iii) the establishment of catalytic processes for C-C cross coupling and olefin polymerization.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professor T. Don Tilley, Ph.D.