The Inorganic, Bioinorganic and Organometallic Chemistry Program supports the research of Tong Ren, Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, investigating highly conjugated oligomeric diruthenium metallaynes. These consist of diruthenium "paddle wheels" alternating with polyalkynes. The diruthenium unit is supported by bridging ligands such as 2-anilinopyridinate, N,N'diarylformamidinate, or N, N'-dimethylbenzamidinate. These dimers are linked by two, four, or six carbon bridges. The ruthenium units may improve electronic communication and delocalization in the oligomer. The multiple redox states accessible by these metal-metal bonded species allows interesting magnetic, electrophoric and chromophoric properties. Ren is also investigating the use of terminally functionalized oligomers that serve as molecular "alligator clips", making a nanoscale electrical connection.
These compounds are being studied as potential "molecular wires", single molecules that can conduct electricity in a nanosized electronic circuit. Fundamental studies of electronic communication and conductance in these molecules may lead to molecular electronic devices. Scientists working on this project will learn modern synthetic and characterization skills as well as nanopatterning and nanojunction techniques.
