The principal focus of this research program is the synthesis and study of previously unknown cyclic, polycyclic and polymeric organic compounds in which multiple acetylenic units can communicate electronically with one another, either through space (homoconjugatively) or via intervening heteroatoms or cyclopropanes. Specifically, the acetylenic-containing synthetic targets are the first phosphocarbon cage molecules, the first thiocarbon rings, tri-element cage molecules (C,P,S), thiocarbon polymers, 4- and 5-sided spirocyclopropyl homoconjugated cyclic polydiynes, the 5-sided spirocyclopropyl homoconjugated cyclic polyacetylene with only one alkyne unit per side and a C(60)H(36) cage molecule. Such compounds should display a variety of unusual electronic properties which will be studied along with other structural features. %%% With this award the Synthetic Organic Program of the Chemistry Division will support the research of Dr. Lawrence T. Scott of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Nevada - Reno. The unknown cyclic organic compounds which will be synthesized should display a variety of unusual electronic properties. An understanding of the structural requirements for electron delocalization in carefully designed molecules of this sort and the consequences thereof should prove valuable in the rational design of new organic materials capable of conducting and/or storing electricity.
