This Research Improvement in Minority Institutions (RIMI) project will study transition - metal complexes in the synthesis of highly unsaturated and conjugated molecules. The research plan will explore more fully the use of cobalt complexes for the protection of acetylene and diyne units. Results of this phase will be applied to the synthesis of histrionicotoxins, a set of complex organic molecules. Knowledge from these experiments will provide rationales for broader studies of substituent and electronic influences on the pharmacology of histrionicotoxins which in turn will increase our understanding of neuromuscular disorders. This ambitious examination of complexation reactions for transition metals will significantly increase the research capability of a predominantly minority institution. The principal investigator has excellent synthesis training and has published in refereed journals. Faculty and students working on this project will have their skills in chemical synthesis measurably improved.
