The active site of the enzyme diiron hydrogenase is of particular interest to inorganic chemists for its ability to catalyze the reduction of protons to form hydrogen gas.  This group is interested in synthesizing biomimetic, organometallic analogs of the enzyme active site which may serve as affordable and efficient electrocatalysts of hydrogen production.  This project in particular focuses mainly on synthesizing novel ligands containing a methyl and an amino group (or a substituted amino group) on the bridgehead carbon of a propanedithiolate ligand.  Ligands that have been synthesized include the dithiolates SCH2C(CH3)(NH2)CH2S, SCH2C(CH3)(NBn2)CH2S, and SCH2C(CH3)(NHTos)CH2S (Bn = benzyl; Tos = tosyl).  As dianions, the potential bridging ligands react to form Fe2(CO)6 complexes which have been characterized by infrared spectroscopy.  The complexes containing these ligands may augment catalytic efficacy whereby the amino group acts as a �built-in� base, strategically positioned next to the catalytically active iron for proton delivery.

Ligand-assisted proton delivery in diiron complexes as electrocatalysts for H<sub>2</sub> production: Ligand and complex synthesis

245th National Meeting (2013)

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Ligand-assisted proton delivery in diiron complexes as electrocatalysts for H2 production: Ligand and complex synthesis

Ligand-assisted proton delivery in diiron complexes as electrocatalysts for H₂ production: Ligand and complex synthesis