This CAREER award by the Inorganic, Bioinorganic, and Organometallic Chemistry Program supports the work of Professor Adam S. Veige at the University of Florida to develop catalysts for Nitrile-Alkyne Cross Metathesis (NACM) reactions using a new class of hard-hard-hard, trianionic pincer ligands. These ligands are designed to stabilize high oxidation state, early transition metals. The under-explored NACM catalysis reactions will examine the trans-influence of the pincer ligands on M-N multiple bonds, particularly in stoichiometric and catalytic exchange reactions. This research will lead to new methods for weakening M-N bonds, which are often too stable for NACM to work efficiently. The synthesis of alkyne/nitrile complexes may have broad applicability as a tool in directed organic synthesis as the catalysts could find offer more environmentally-friendly methods of synthesis for both the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. In addition to training undergraduate and graduate students in research techniques, the Professor Veige hopes to inspire wide audiences to develop an interest in research through "Chemistry Day at the Mall" outreach activities. These activities will encourage scientists to see outreach to the public as an expected part of their professional career while encouraging younger students to consider scientific careers.
Intellectual Merit Estimates indicate catalysts are directly, or in part, responsible for $ 1 trillion dollars in global commercial goods production. To maintain a competitive edge in this global marketplace, the US must develop catalysts the produce goods efficiently, and selectively while employing environmentally safe practices. This project focused on building new catalysts that feature novel trianionic pincer ligands. Results from award CHE-074808 include the synthesis of new trianionic pincer ligand precursors, chromium catalyzed aerobic oxidation, N-atom transfer to acid chlorides to synthesize nitriles, C-H bond activation studies, primary C-N bond cleavage and methyl group dehydrogenation, an alkene isomerization catalyst, a highly active ethylene polymerization catalyst (7,000,000 g PE/(molCr/h)), a unique highly active phenylacetylene polymerization catalyst, elucidation of a new "inorganic enamine" bonding model, and significant progress towards alkyne metathesis (AM) and nitrile-alkyne cross metathesis (NACM) catalysts. Additional evidence for the project’s success comes in the form of four patents/applications issued for developed technology. Broader Impact The scientific broader impacts from this proejct include the elucidation a a new class of catalysts that are highly active and offer new avenues for further exploration. The educational broader impacts include human resource development in the form of training and development of the next generation of chemists at all levels of education (K-12, undergraduate, and graduate students). One major accomplishmet from the project is the successful implementation of a annual educational outreach event. The PI and a group of student volunteers host interactive, hands-on, and fun chemistry demonstrations in an annual "Cente for Catalysis Chemistry Day at the Mall". The event features carefully selected demonstrations to educate both parents and children about fundamental concepts in science with a particular focus on chemistry. The event attracts > 500 teachers, parents, and children each year. The goal of the outreach event is to raise public awareness about the chemical scienes and to inspire the next generation of chemists.
