This award in the Inorganic, Bioinorganic and Organometallic Chemistry program supports Professor Darryl D. DesMarteau to synthesize molecules and materials containing fluorinated sulfonimides. A variety of novel peptides containing the N-trifluoroethyl group that have potentially useful bioactivity and may serve as structural probes for biomolecules will be prepared and characterized. The superior qualities of the fluorinated sulfonamide anions in organic ionic liquids is to be capitalized upon in a variety of new structures with potentially useful properties for electrochemical applications. Remarkably stable and very novel zwitterionic diazonium salts will be prepared for improving fuel cell electrodes.
This research will develop new fluorine-containing compounds for use in biomedical, fuel cell and ionic liquid applications. The proposed research provides a platform for training both graduate and undergraduate students in the chemical sciences, while emphasizing the ability of basic chemistry to contribute to societal needs.