CAREER: Synthesis of Carbon-Rich Organometallic Objects and Cyclic Starmacromolecules

University Of South Carolina At Columbia, Columbia SC

Investigators

Abstract

The focus of this research is preparation of a series of polycyclic alkyne-bridged organometallic compounds. The target molecules represent hybrids of organometallic fullerenyne segments and the organic graphydiyne. They are of high interest as electro-active and extremely porous organometallic materials. The pyrolysis pyrolysis of large, alkyne-bridged cobalt- or iron-containing, highly unsaturated organometallics should lead to the formation of novel metal-carbon solids. The high-temperature pyrolysis of the proposed carbon-rich organometallics could lead to the formation of nanotubes, circumventing the use of gas phase conditions. The educational portion of the project will include curriculum development with a strong emphasis on the use of the Web. With this CAREER award, the Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry Program is supporting the research and educational activities of Dr. Uwe H. Bunz of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of South Carolina. Professor Bunz will focus his research on the preparation of organometallic compounds with the goal of constructing fullerenyne-segments and new metal-containing materials. Pyrolysis of the materials could serve as a method for the preparation of nanotubes. Carbon-rich compounds of the types proposed are of great interest as a new generation of advanced materials for future applications in electronic and photonic devices. The educational portion of the project will stress use of the Web in course development.