Late-transition metal complexes, such as palladium, nickel, and rhodium complexes, are prevalent for catalyzing reactions given their ease of complexation to a variety of ligands and range of available oxidation states. Recent initiatives focus on the creation of more sustainable first-row transition metal catalysts rather than utilizing precious metals. The two projects to be presented include organometallic catalysts (Scheme 1) for nitrogen fixation and organic transformations applicable to the synthesis of naturally occurring or biologically active compounds. First, PNP-pincer ligands were synthesized, one with an N- donor and the other neutral, and successfully complexed with cobalt. The ligands and complexes were characterized by 31P and 1H NMR spectroscopy as well as FT-IR spectroscopy. The cobalt complex was in the process of being reduced by various reducing agents to form the targeted dinitrogen cobalt complex, which will be tested for nitrogen fixation ability. In a second project, two previously reported iron-NHC complexes were synthesized with structures confirmed by 1H NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy. Each was tested for their potential to catalyze two distinct types of reactions: Michael/aza-Michael additions and intermolecular epoxide ring expansions.

Synthesis of transition-metal catalysts with diverse potential reactivity

255th National Meeting (2018)

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