This two-year award supports U.S.-U.K. cooperative research in inorganic chemistry between Kenneth J. Takeuchi of the State University of New York at Buffalo and James Cameron of Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland. The investigators propose to synthesize new ruthenium (II) complexes which utilize novel macrocyclic ligands. Dr. Takeuchi brings to this collaboration his expertise in the synthesis of novel catalytic systems and ruthenium complexes. This is complemented by Dr. Cameron's background in organic chemistry and his expertise in the design and production of these unique organic ligands. Within the context of this collaboration, Dr. Takeuchi's advanced graduate students will travel to Scotland to work with Dr. Cameron and his group. Initially, the collaborative research will take place at Heriot Watt University, where Dr. Cameron and the U.S. graduate students will jointly synthesis and characterize the macrocyclic ligands. At SUNY Buffalo Dr. Takeuchi and his group will then substitute ruthenium into the macrocylic ligands to produce new ruthenium complexes. Subsequently, kinetic studies of inorganic and organic substances using the new complexes will be initiated. This collaborative effort on ruthenium complexes will enhance our general understanding of catalytic systems. The new ruthenium complexes could lead to more effective catalysts and further understanding of effects of catalytic performance.
