Phenyl-substituted bis(imino)pyridine ligand (PhI2P) aluminum complexes are effective in facilitating proton transfer reactions with strong, polar O-H and N-H bonds as well as promoting proton and electron processes for catalytic proton reduction. In this presentation, I will describe the synthesis of the redox active PhI2P complexes of group 13 metals, their electron transfer reactions, and proton and electron transfer reactivity towards other small molecules, including compounds containing functionalized PhI2P ligands. One or two electron oxidants and atom transfer reagents promote ligand-based electron transfer reactions that yield oxidized products. When PhI2P-Al complexes are electrolyzed in the presence of weak organic acids, hydride equivalents are generated and can be transferred to small molecules. This work presents further understanding of ligand based electron transfer chemistry and insight into how these traditionally redox-inert main group metals can facilitate electron transfer processes.

Synthesis and ligand-based redox chemistry by molecular group 13 complexes

256th National Meeting (2018)

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