Synthesis, Characterisation and Reactivity of Unusual Alkaline Earth Metal Complexes

This project will study the synthesis, characterisation and reactivity of novel heteroleptic complexes of s-block metals, mainly of the heavier alkaline earth metals. It will comprise the design and synthesis of suitable sterically demanding N-ligands, the synthesis of organometallic and organoamide precursor complexes, conversion to unusually bonded metal complexes and the study of their reactivity for applications in synthesis and possibly catalysis. A ligand-design strategy will be used in the new complexes to harness the unique properties of the alkaline earth metals to stabilise reactive anionic moieties and bind in unusual motifs. New complexes and reactions will be studied by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy and other techniques. The reactivity of newly synthesised species will be investigated towards a range of organic substrates and small molecules including industrially relevant gases.