Currently, the vast majority of catalysts are based on precious metals such as ruthenium, rhodium, and platinum. Replacing these expensive and often toxic elements with first-row transition metals (i.e., iron, cobalt, nickel) that are more abundant and environmentally compatible is an area of catalysis with renewed focus. To this end, we are investigating the synthesis and reactivity of novel cobalt complexes. The synthesis of a cobalt(II) complex, (pip2NNN)Co(Cl)2 [pip2NNN = 2,6-bis(piperidylmethyl)pyridine], bearing a relatively unexplored nitrogen-based pincer ligand has been achieved. An X-ray structure determination displays two conformations of the piperidyl rings in the solid state. Attempts to reduce and methylate the metal center in order to access a Co(I)–methyl complex are underway in order to investigate the complex's potential to facilitate hydrogenation reactivity.

Synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of cobalt complexes bearing the nitrogen-based pip2NNN ligand

254th National Meeting (2017)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.