Dr. Smucker, Dr. Harrison, and I will collaborate to mentor and advise students in the synthesis of germaniumbased synthons as reactants for platinum-based metal complexes. Furthermore, spectroscopic and computational studies will also be performed on the novel material in an effort to further understand the reactive capabilities associated with these complexes. Germylene compounds have been shown to be alternatives to Nheterocyclic carbenes with unique chemistry stemming from their ability to be stable in their triplet state. This stability allows for the germylene to act as both a Lewis acid and a Lewis base and can give way to interesting bonding capabilities.
One focus of the summer research project will aim to synthesize a variety of different germylenes with varying substituents as a means to fine tune their properties and characteristics. This will be done using air and air-free synthetic techniques (Schlenck and glovebox) as well as crystal growth techniques. Characterization and analysis will also be done using NMR spectroscopy, Cyclic Voltammetry, UV/Vis spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. Once synthesized, the germylenes will then be used as ligands with Dr. Smucker’s platinum complexes as potential light-harvesting compounds for photocatalytic reactions.
Synthesizing the germanium-platinum based material would allow us to perform foundational work on the novel material, fine tune metal and ligand substitution parameters for optimal results and efficiency, and ultimately publish results in scientific journals or present these findings at local and national conferences. Students interested in working in the research group will learn to work in a multi-faceted collaborative environment bridging between organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry.