Introduction

My research centers on study of catalysts for dehydrogenation. An example is shown below (eqn 1). Reasons for studying this reaction are many but the most cited reasons are: to further reduce the energy required to produce the products [currently billions of pounds], for the production/storage of hydrogen [for use in fuel cells], and the creation of new routes to important synthetic/drug targets.

Projects

A typical project would include: (1) synthesis of a ligand (organic molecule that will bind to a metal) with basic scaffold shown in figure (2) synthesizing a metal complex ( metal plus ligands see scheme 1), (3) Study the metal complex’s activity as a dehydrogenation catalyst as a function of R and R’ (see table 1).

Scheme 1. Typical metal complex synthesis.

Table 1. Synthetic variants on the basic ligand design.

Row	R	Donating Properties	R’
1	H		^tBu
2		Withdrawing	^iPr
3	BF2	Donating
4	SO3^-, Me	Zwitterionic Withdrawing
5	Deprotonated	Charged Donating
6		Tether

Advanced Projects

Chemically tethering of the metal catalyst to a solid support is called heterogenation of a catalyst (figure 3). This process can lead to a number of promising effects for a catalyst, but most commonly it is used to aid in the separation of catalyst from product after catalysis has occurred. With a successful configuration of the heterogenized catalyst it may even increase rate of catalysis in this case.

Ionic Liquids – The use of these relatively new and green solvents have been shown to effect the rates of a number of chemical reactions. In this case they may also aid with separation of catalyst and products.

Invitation

I am looking for eager undergraduate chemists to apply their ever expanding skills towards the above goals. I believe these projects are: achievable, will give students many and varied chances to expand and sharpen their skill sets, and contain both the academic and societal interest necessary for funding, publishing, and peaking your interest.