The Coordination Chemistry of Phospha- and Arsachalcoethynolates and the Quest to Generate Cyaphide and Cyarside

• Applicant: Dr. Stefan Mitzinger
• Subject Area: Inorganic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation
• Term: from 2019 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 429039499

The goal of this proposal is to explore the coordination chemistry of the heavy homologues of cyanate, PCE– and AsCE– (E = O, S, Se, possibly Te). The project will commence with the optimisation and up-scaling of the synthesis of these anions and will include studies to synthesise the unknown tellurium homologue. Studies of the coordination chemistry of this family of anions will compare their bonding and bridging modes with cyanate and phosphaethynolate, PCO–. Subsequent research will focus on their coordination, oxidation, reduction and photolysis in an effort to weaken and cleave the carbon–chalcogen bond. The thereby generated cyaphide and cyaarside ligands, CP– and CAs–, respectively, will by studied through the formation of complexes and salts of these uncommon anions. The ultimate scope of this proposal is to lay the foundations in the chemistry of phospha- and arsachalcogenoethynolates and to reliably generate cyaphide and cyaarside ligands.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: United Kingdom
• Host: Professor Dr. Jose Goicoechea