Bis(thiosemicarbazone) (B(TSC)) transition metal compounds have previously been studied as catalysts in hydrogen evolution reactions and in a biological context for their antibacterial, anticancer, and antifungal properties. Recently, the focus has shifted towards their ability to act as catalysts in the reduction of CO2 to value-added products. Our research builds upon these findings and seeks to expand the literature by synthesizing, characterizing, and experimentally determining the catalytic properties of a library of B(TSC) transition metal compounds. Ligands with combinations of phenyl, methyl, and hydrogen substituents on the terminal nitrogen and diimine backbone have been synthesized and complexed with Ni(II) and Cu(II) by way of separate but straightforward one-pot condensation reactions. These B(TSC) transition metal compounds are characterized by 1H and 13C NMR, IR spectroscopy, Mass Spec, and X-ray crystallography and their reductive abilities will be determined experimentally using electrochemistry. In the context of CO2 reduction, researching these previously unstudied compounds will provide insight into a new method for battling rising levels of atmospheric CO2.

Role of structural modifications in the catalytic properties of bis(thiosemicarbazone) transition metal compounds for CO2 reduction

ACS Spring 2022

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