Exploration of Small Molecule Reduction via Transition Metal Complexes Supported by Novel Trianionic Cryptand Ligand Systems

Additional contributors: Deanna Miller; Connie Lu (faculty mentor)The reductions of small molecules (CO2, CO, N2, and O2) have been studied as an interesting, cheap method for the formation of valuable chemical feedstocks. While prices of petroleum on the rise, processes such as the reduction of CO-2 into methanol are necessary to ease our use from non-renewable sources of fuel. To achieve these reductive processes, my research has been focused on the design and synthesis of novel ligands. Following the synthesis of these novel ligands, they will be metallated with late transition metals (Zn, Co, Fe, and Mn). A Zn complex which is supported by a trianionic, tetradentate cryptand ligand has been synthesized and characterized with X-Ray Crystallography. This metallated ligand, along with the fore mentioned metals, will be reacted with various small molecules and analyzed for the ligand’s ability to reduce these molecules