This award in the Chemical Synthesis (SYN) program supports work by Professor T. Don Tilley at the University of California, Berkeley, to carry out fundamental studies on the search for new chemical transformations that are mediated by transition metal-main group element multiple bonds. In general, reactivity centered on multiple metal-ligand bonds is very important, and the chemistry of metal-silicon double bonds in silylene complexes is expected to lead to new, useful transformations. Chemical conversions mediated by silylene complexes have recently been found to promote the addition of hydrogen-silicon bonds to alkenes, and a range of related transformations seem likely. The fundamental principles established from these studies should be applicable to a range of problems in chemistry, materials science and catalysis.

The basic research of this proposal should point the way to replacement of rare and expensive metals such as platinum and rhodium with less abundant metals such as iron and cobalt, in industrial catalytic processes. In general, new, more efficient chemical transformations will enable the more efficient use of energy and resources.

Project Report

In this project funded by the Chemical Synthesis Program of the Chemistry Division, Professor T. Don Tilley and his research group in the Department of Chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley, have conducted fundamental studies on the structure, bonding, and reactivity of new types of molecular species containing a transition metal and silicon. In particular, species that formally possess silicon in a reduced state (silylene complexes) have been targeted. This research is designed to provide an understanding of the mechanism and scope of a new type of hydrosilation reaction discovered in this program. Hydrosilation is a metal-catalyzed process that is practiced on a very large scale in industry, to produce silicones and silicone-based materials (for example, water-resistant coatings). Thus, this research should guide the way to broader utilization of hydrosilation to produce new types of materials, and open pathways to other catalytic systems that utilize cost-effective, earth-abundant metals such as iron, cobalt and nickel. Efficient catalysis with first row metals is a pervasive theme attracting strong interest in the research and industrial catalysis communities, and it is therefore important to learn how such catalysts may operate. Currently, hydrosilations practiced in industry utilize catalysts derived from platinum, a rare and quite expensive metal. Broader impacts of this research relate to its development of new strategies for chemical conversions having potential applications in drug development, polymer and materials synthesis, and the large-scale production of value-added chemicals. The proposed basic research will contribute to the knowledge base that chemists use to design new catalytic reactions. Furthermore, the proposed research is well suited for the training of young scientists. The PI and students involved in this project regularly participate in and lead outreach activities, such as the training of local high school students and presenting science demonstrations at a local middle school. Notably, a collaborative effort within the research group involves planning and presenting science lessons to grade school students. Group members travel to nearby elementary schools (at least two each month) and teach basic scientific principles, hoping to improve early STEM education and encourage budding scientists.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Chemistry (CHE)
Application #
0957106
Program Officer
Tingyu Li
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
2010-03-01
Budget End
2013-02-28
Support Year
Fiscal Year
2009
Total Cost
$549,000
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California Berkeley
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Berkeley
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94704