Research in the field of Inorganic Chemistry continues to be inspired by the concepts of coordination chemistry that originated with the brilliant and insightful work of Alfred Werner. Although research in transition metal coordination compounds had long been focused on mononuclear and small polynuclear complexes, recent years have witnessed an exciting renaissance, specifically the elaboration of larger architectures including extended structures. This progress has been made possible largely by the advent of new characterization tools, not the least of which is the use of both powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction methods as well as microscopy tools, gas uptake methodologies and the routine use of SQUID magnetometers equipped with helium and capable of measuring exquisite changes in magnetic and conducting properties over a large temperature range. In this regard the world of physics has merged beautifully with the world of chemistry with this new type of coordination chemistry research. Properties of individual metal complexes and ligands can be successfully mined for properties that were previously unknown or thought to be impossible for coordination compounds. Classic cases of such achievements are the realization of room temperature magnets and conducting materials that behave as metals with metal-nitrogen coordination bonds. Our foray into this topic has involved ligands based on cyanide and organocyanide functional groups, research that has rewarded us with many exciting and valuable insights into how to realize functional materials of the “soft” variety.

<b>Award Address</b> (ACS Award for Distinguished Service in the Advancement of Inorganic Chemistry sponsored by Strem Chemicals). Molecular magnetic and conducting materials inspired by coordination chemistry

249th National Meeting (2015)

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Award Address (ACS Award for Distinguished Service in the Advancement of Inorganic Chemistry sponsored by Strem Chemicals). Molecular magnetic and conducting materials inspired by coordination chemistry