The Inorganic, Bioinorganic and Organometallic Chemistry Program of the Chemistry Division supports the research of Dr. Stephen DiMagno, Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska - Lincoln to develop two new tunable classes of ligands, namely the beta-octafluoroporphyrins and the porphodimethenes, which will lead to a new series of metallo-porphyrins and metallo-porphodimethene complexes having unusual electronic properties. The repertoire of these ligand classes will be expanded and the spectroscopic, photophysical, electrochemical and catalytic properties of the resulting metal-chelates will be examined.
This is a novel and wide ranging study involving new strategies to synthesize new ligands. The work will also exploit the ligand's conformational dynamics to synchronize delivery of redox equivalents and acidic or basic functionality to the metal centers. Results of these studies will contribute significantly to the interdisciplines of chemistry that broadly impact on environmental, economic and educational issues. Undergraduate and graduate students will get sound training in this state-of-the-art field of chemistry.
