Construction, Transformation and Derivatization of Heterosila-adamantanes

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Thomas Müller; Professor Dr. Matthias Wagner
• Subject Area: Inorganic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 544135113

The aim of this project proposal is the synthesis of molecular sections of the solid structure of elementary silicon and its alloys with other elements of group 14, starting from simply structured starting compounds. If successful, this project will provide molecular access to interesting nano-scale semiconductor materials while maintaining control over the structure of the molecule and the distribution of elements in the molecular framework. Therefore, the synthesis of persiladamantanes, the variation of their basic architecture and their expansion into larger aggregates, the persiladiamantoids, is a focus of the proposal. The project is expanded by introducing other Group 14 elements such as carbon, germanium and tin into these electron-precise silicon cluster compounds. Emphasis is laid on the development of synthetic methods for the regioselective introduction of heteroatoms into the silicon cluster, their conversion and their final derivatization. In this project, two different and complementary approaches for the construction of (hetero)sila-adamantanes, the Sila-Wagner Meerwein (SWM) rearrangement and the Chloride-Promoted Aufbau (CPA) reaction, are combined. Both methods were developed independently in the applicants' working groups and we expect considerable synergy effects from their combination, such as a significant expansion and diversification of the product range. In addition to these preparative aspects, another central focus of the project proposal is on experimental and theoretical investigations into the mechanism of the two synthesis methods, the understanding of which will contribute to better control of the structure and composition of the products.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Austria
• Partner Organisation: Fonds zur Förderung der wissenschaftlichen Forschung (FWF)
• Cooperation Partner: Professor Dr. Christoph Marschner