This CAREER Award in the Inorganic, Bioinorganic and Organometallic Chemistry Program supports the research and education plans of Karin Ruhlandt-Senge of Syracuse University. The goal of the proposed research is to develop reliable synthetic routes to organoalkaline-earth derivatives. Initial studies will be directed toward facile routes to prepare diorgano alkaline-earth species and organo alkaline-earth halides. Possible applications in synthetic inorganic, organic, polymer and materials chemistry will be explored. The advantages of heavier organoalkaline-earth derivatives over organomagnesium derivatives will be investigated. Graduate students and students in undergraduate laboratories will be involved in the work and will learn to prepare air-sensitive compounds and handle them by Schlenk and dry-box techniques. Ruhlandt-Senge has developed a combined laboratory experience involving mentorship between seniors and first year chemistry students in which they prepare and investigate carefully chosen inorganic compounds. Ruhlandt-Senge is also involved in the Minority High School Student Apprenticeship Program and participates in the training of high school and prospective high school teachers.
