Development of new N-containing complexes using hybrid tripodal ligands containing hydrogen bond donors

Abstract

Transition metals are very useful in a variety of chemical transformations. The research described in this thesis focus on the development of a series of stable transition metal complexes that can be used in organic transformations. The complexes formed were N-containing complexes. The long-term goal is to develop a synthetic catalyst that can be used in the formation of N-containing molecules specifically in which the catalyst is as reactive and efficient as nature's metalloproteins. The ligand H5PtBuuam was used to synthesize these complexes.

In Chapter 2, the synthesis of a manganese N-containing complex is described. The EPR spectra identify the different species present in the complex formed while the FTIR spectra reflect the formation of a moderately weak azide peak, which gives proof of the formation of an azido complex.

Chapter 3 discusses the synthesis and spectroscopic data of putative iron and cobalt N-containing complexes. Identification of the complexes was performed using a number of spectroscopical techniques. The iron and cobalt complexes both showed a new vibrational band in the FTIR at approximately 2136 cm-1. This vibration band is characteristic of an azide bound to a transition metal which likely represents a minor product of the reaction.

The concluding remarks address future studies that need to be performed in order to utilize these systems in nitrogen group transfer, and as catalysts.