RUI: Synthesis, Reactions, Mechanisms, and Electrochemistry of Fullerene Transition Metal Complexes

University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez, Mayaguez PR

Investigators

Abstract

Jose Cortes-Figueroa, Chemistry Department, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez, is supported by the Inorganic, Bioinorganic and Organometallic Chemistry Program. The focus of the work is the synthesis and characterization of transition metal fullerene complexes. Novel fullerene-transition metal carbonyl complexes will be synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques. Reaction rates and activation parameters of the fullerene substitution processes will also be studied. Overall, this project should provide information on the thermodynamics of the fullerene-transition metal interaction. Transition metal fullerenes show unique chemistry and electrochemistry. These properties may be exploited in the optics, materials science, and electronics areas. This award is under the Research in Undergraduate Institutions Program (RUI) and involves several undergraduates at the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez. These students will learn important laboratory skills while conducting cutting-edge research.