The efficient utilization of abundant O2 and N2 is both a longstanding and timely challenge for catalysis scientists. Typical approaches call for the 'activation' of these molecules via interaction with metal complexes. Said activation usually involves partial or complete cleavage of the strong bonds of these homonuclear diatomic molecules. We have found that the complete cleavage of the O-O bond of dioxygen in the coordination sphere of certain chromium complexes is a very facile process. In view of the broad interest in novel schemes for nitrogen fixation, we are now investigating analogous chemistry of dinitrogen. Both the cleavage of N2 and its microscopic reverse exhibit much larger activation barriers. This presentation will summarize our experimental findings and offer some speculation on the origin of the disparity between the reactivities of O2 and N2.

Why are O2 and N2 so different?

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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