This Science in Developing Countries award will support the collaboration of Thomas J. Meyer of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and Barbara Loeb L. of Pontificia Universidad Catolica, Chile. The project will focus on the design, synthesis, characterization, and systematic investigation of the properties of a novel class of monomeric and multinuclear ligand-bridged metal complexes. The research aims to synthesize trans-- (poly)pyridyl (d)6 metal complexes of Os(II), Ru(II), and Re(I), in which intramolecular photochemical and electrochemical electron transfer processes from spatially controlled electron donor and acceptor sites can be studied. The project will pursue three different approaches to synthesizing these trans- metal complexes in order to (1) compare the solution phase photophysical responses of the trans complexes with those of cis analogs; and (2) assemble uniform monolayers of these trans complexes on the surface of metal oxide electrodes to explore possible molecular diode-type rectifying behavior. The collaboration is expected to lead to the development of new molecular systems that will allow more thorough investigation of intramolecular electron transfer events. The Chilean team has synthetic expertise, facilities, and manpower for performing the syntheses most efficiently. The U.S. side will gain knowledge to duplicate synthetic development in the U.S. By observing in the U.S. methods of photophysical and electrochemical investigations of the anticipated new compounds, the Chileans will gain experience needed to establish a laboratory in Chile.
