This award in the Inorganic, Bioinorganic, and Organometallic Chemistry Program supports research on metal-mediated oxidation reactions by Dr. James M. Mayer of the Chemistry Department, University of Washington. When nucleophiles, either from other sites in the complex or from other molecules, react with electrophilic oxo, nitrido, or imido ligands, the metal is formally reduced and the nucleophile is oxidized. In these cases, the site of oxidation is the multiple bond between the metal and the ligand. The goal of this research is to determine how the ligand electrophilicity can be tuned by changes at the metal center. Oxidations of carbanions, boranes and alkenes will be studied and the reaction mechanisms determined. New oxidants will be prepared, including osmium (VI)- and osmium (VIII)-oxo complexes.

Selective oxidation of organic compounds by transition metals is a critical step in the production of many commodity chemicals, including pharmaceuticals, and is gaining importance in waste treatment. Understanding key reaction steps is needed to improve present technology. This research is aimed at elucidating the chemistry of one class of such metal-mediated oxidation reactions. Students at all levels will be involved in the research and will learn many different instrumental methods and practical laboratory skills.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Chemistry (CHE)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
9816372
Program Officer
Michael Clarke
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1999-04-01
Budget End
2002-12-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1998
Total Cost
$376,000
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Washington
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Seattle
State
WA
Country
United States
Zip Code
98195