Metz is supported by the Experimental Physical Chemistry Program to use photofragment spectroscopy to characterize the metal-producing reactions, products, and reaction intermediates for reactions of gas-phase transition metal cations and metal oxide cations with simple hydrocarbons. The goals of this effort are to determine the structure and thermochemistry of the ground and low-lying excited electronic states of these species. In addition, he will use an optical double-resonance approach to characterize bonding in the ground electronic state of transition metal reaction intermediates. The educational and outreach aspects of this CAREER award include participating in general chemistry curricular reform, modernizing the undergraduate physical chemistry laboratory, and mentoring students from underrepresented groups.
Chemists have long sought practical approaches to breaking bonds in alkanes under mild reaction conditions, an elusive goal. Outcomes from the research effort are expected to provide aspects of the basic understanding necessary to achieve this goal. Sucessful outcomes from the educational plan will improve the precollege and undergraduate science learning experience.
