This Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI) award in the Inorganic, Bioinorganic and Organometallic Chemistry Program and the Mathematical and Physical Sciences Office of Multidisciplinary Activities (MPS/OMA) supports research by Professor Richard D. Ernst of the Department of Chemistry of the University of Utah to investigate the catalytic properties of pentadienyl and cyclopentadienyl compounds of titanium and zirconium. Fundamental chemical structures, such as agostic interactions, which may lead to selective C-C bond formation and cleavage, will be studied. Edged bridged pentadienyl complexes, which will be prepared, are seen as precursors for metal film depositions, material syntheses and complexes with the metals in higher oxidation states. Studies will also be done on the configurational stability of chiral complexes. Complexes with cyclopentadienyl and edge-bridged pentadienyl ligands will be investigated in collaboration with the Dow Chemical Co. as catalysts for olefin polymerization. Under the GOALI program this academic/industrial collaboration will provide graduate students with experience in moving new catalysts they have developed into an industrial trial. Organometallic complexes of titanium and zirconium will be investigated as catalysts, coupling reagents and materials precursors. Complexes with cyclopentadienyl and edge-bridged pentadienyl ligands will be investigated in collaboration with the Dow Chemical Co. as catalysts for lengthening hydrocarbon chains. As part of its committment under the GOALI program, Dow will provide materials, facilities, and personnel to adapt the process to industrial reactor conditions. Dow will also cover travel costs for Dr. Ernst and his students involved in the project as well as stipend expenses for the visiting graduate students.
