In this project in the Inorganic, Bioinorganic, and Organo- metallic Program of the Chemistry Division, Klemperer will continue his studies of the synthesis and reactivity of soluble transition metal oxides. The experimental approach shows promise towards developing an understanding of the fundamental basis for important heterogeneous catalysts. These catalysts are critical to the chemical industry. Five major areas will be investigated. First, the chemistry of soluble oxide inclusion complexes will be examined. Second, the mechanism of dioxygen activation towards organic molecules will be studied in organoiridium complexes bound to polyoxoanions. The third area will be concerned with performing the same types of transformations with ruthenium complexes. The fourth and fifth areas deal with the exploration of niobate and tantalate oxide solution chemistry. The significance of the research lies in part in the understanding gained about fundamental processes of industrial and biological significance relating to the controlled autoxidation of organic materials. In addition, new and hopefully useful materials should be discovered.
