Novel Metalla-Aromatic Systems from Highly Strained Precursors

University Of Oregon Eugene, Eugene OR

Investigators

Abstract

This project focuses on the study of a newer area of aromatic chemical research, metallabenzenes, transition metal analogues of benzene in which one of the methine units has been replaced by an isolobal transition metal fragment. The chemistry carried out in this project takes advantage of a method that allows direct entry into the metallabenzene manifold using a cyclopropane precursor. One goal of the project is to demonstrate that this method provides a general synthetic route to metallabenzenes and valence isomers. This represents the first comprehensive investigation of metallabenzenes where ligand, ring substituents, and transition metal centers will be systematically varied. With this Award, the Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry Program's Organic Synthesis Program supports the research of Professor Michael M. Haley of the University of Oregon, Eugene. Professor Haley's research interests are in the incorporation of transition metals as integral parts of otherwise all-carbon systems. In particular, modifications of the structure of benzene will be undertaken. Benzene is the prototype structure of an important class of chemical structure referred to as possessing aromaticity, and the effect of carbon-metal substitution will be carried out to explore its effects on aromaticity. In addition, a variety of new organometallic structures will be prepared whose properties are heretofore unknown.